Named for Reginald C. Sprigg (1919-1994), Australian exploration geologist, oceanographer, biologist, author and conservationist who in 1946 discovered the diverse pre-Cambrian Ediacaran soft-body fauna fossils representing the earliest known multicellular life on the earth. Sprigg's recognition of hydrocarbons in central Australia led to the discovery of the vast Cooper Basin gas and oil fields. His work on the formation of Australian deserts and dunes has resulted in greater understanding of present-day climate patterns. In 1968 he founded the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary in the northern Flinders Ranges, and this includes an astronomical observatory. Name suggested by D. I. Steel and citation prepared by the Sprigg family.