The Life and Times of Supervolcanoes
Professor Colin Wilson, Victoria University of Wellington
7.30 pm Tuesday, 4 September, Palmerston North Boys’ High School Speirs Centre, Featherston Street, Palmerston North
There is no denying that our land is subject to tremendous natural forces. We may commonly experience this as a gentle, or sometimes a severe, shuddering of earthquakes. Yet with Aotearoa dotted with cones and calderas, Kiwis should also keep in mind that the Taupō Eruption was actually the world’s most violent volcanic eruption in the last 5000 years!
Colin Wilson has gathered many accolades for studying volcanoes, and in particular, those giant examples known as supervolcanoes. He likens his work to that of a crime scene investigator, where he travels the world piecing together the dual puzzle of why such cataclysmic explosions occur and why they are joined by much smaller eruptions. He aims to forecast volcanic phenomena with enough warning so that communities can respond. But although Colin is digging deep in the Earth’s crust to find the triggering mechanisms, volcanic systems are not letting their secrets go easily…
In 2017, geologist Professor Colin Wilson was awarded Royal Society Te Apārangi’s highest honour, the Rutherford Medal, for his research into understanding large, explosive supervolcanoes and the dangers they pose. The 2018 New Zealand Rutherford Lecture is presented by Royal Society Te Apārangi in partnership with GNS Science, EQC and Victoria University of Wellington.
All warmly welcome!
This is a free event, but please register to secure your seat at: