The Nonlinear Geophysics Technical Committee was formed in 1998 by a small group of AGU members to meet a growing interest in the analysis, modeling, and prediction of nonlinear behavior in geophysical processes. This paper provides a history as the technical committee, evolved into a focus group, and into a section, including officers, awards, prizes, named lectures, standing committees, and books written or edited by members on the subject of nonlinear geophysical patterns and processes.