given by Dr. Auriol Rae (Junior Research Fellow in Earth Sciences Trinity College, University of Cambridge) Abstract: 66 Million years ago, a 14 km-diameter meteoroid struck the Earth at approximately 20 km/s. This event had a profound influence on the history of life on Earth - causing the extinction of around 75% of all species […]

given by Dr Susannah C. R. Maidment (Senior Researcher, Natural History Museum, London) Abstract: Stegosaurs are a group of dinosaurs characterized by the possession of two rows of plates and spines that extend from the neck to the end of the tail. They are known from the Middle Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous and have […]

given by Dr. Andrew Finlayson (Quaternary Geologist, BGS Edinburgh) Abstract: Loch Lomond is an iconic part of Scotland’s scenery, spanning landscapes of both Highland and Lowland character on either side of the Highland Boundary Fault.  From a Quaternary geological perspective, the wider Loch Lomond basin has a long history of research and forms a type area […]

given by Prof Bridget Wade (Department of Earth Sciences, University College London) Abstract: Numerous oceanic, climatic, and biotic conditions relating to biogeochemical cycles and environmental change impact the composition and distribution of deep- sea sediments. Utilising the extensive sediment archives of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) and its predecessors, maps of deep-sea sediment type have […]

given by Prof. Peter Scott (Emeritus Professor, Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter) Abstract: Clay minerals, such as kaolinite, illite and montmorillonite, are the essential components of clays. Their crystals are very small and they have variable amounts of disorder in their structure. They impart a plasticity to clays. Their properties also make them […]

given by Clive Maton (Honorary President, HGS) Abstract The Norber Erratics are well known and are featured in geological text books and numerous local guides to the Yorkshire Dales. This is partially due to their large size, the very large numbers, and all being located in a relatively small area; but they are best known […]

given by Prof. Paul Smith (Director University of Oxford, Natural History Museum). Abstract In an era of polarised opinion and a difficulty in determining the veracity of information, science museums play an important role as ‘honest brokers’ in both enabling and encouraging public debate around science. Surveys on both side of the Atlantic have demonstrated […]