2024 - 2025 session
Lecture Programme:
Lectures, of approximately an hour, are held at 7:30pm on the second Tuesday of the month from October to May inclusive. The AGM is normally held in April or May.
We hope to return to the Earth Sciences Department, University of Bristol, in April 2025. Up until then the talks will be by Zoom.
Members - WEGA members will be sent a link by email
Non-Members - should book in advance through Eventbrite for a fee of £2 plus small handling charge
8th OCTOBER 2024 7:30 pm
Venerable Beads: Martin Lister and the birth of palaeobiology
Dr. Liam Herringshaw
Abstract
In this talk, I’ll explain how a 17th Century doctor in York, Martin Lister, came to write the first palaeontological letter to a scientific journal, and how the fossils he was describing – crinoids, or sea lilies – helped change our understanding of the Earth, turning Northumbrian myths into the beginnings of palaeobiology. In telling the tale, I’ll splice together glaciers, polo mints, and Roman forts, explain the remarkable story of the microscopic Lister sisters, and – connecting directly to WEGA – reveal some of the sea-floor secrets of Exeter’s Royal Albert Memorial Museum.
Eventbrite page for this talk
12th NOVEMBER 2024 7:30pm
Offshore Carbon Capture & Storage
Prof. Jonathan Bull of the University of Southampton, based at the National Oceanography Centre
Abstract
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in sub-surface formations (depleted oil and gas reservoirs, or aquifers) is one of the mechanisms by which we can reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. In this talk I will focus on current developments in projects offshore with a particular focus on how we monitor the sequestered gas both in the sub-surface and in the water column. I will discuss the development of realistic monitoring, measurement and verification (MMV) plans.
10th DECEMBER 2024 12:30pm
Christmas Lunch please book by emailing wega.talks@gmail.com by the 29th of November
The Swan Tockington BS32 4NJ
14th JANUARY 2025 7:30pm
Geology and Wellbeing
Dr. Ruth Allen Geologist and Psychotherapist
How connection with nature can improve and mental wellbeing
Abstract
In this talk, geologist turned psychotherapist, Ruth Allen will discuss her geologically-inspired book Weathering. Exploring how we can all learn lessons from the ground beneath our feet when it comes to enduring the erosion of our human lives during times of change, transition and grief, when resilience is needed most. She will also outline the many ways she seeks to connect people with rock for their general health and wellbeing, offering a hopeful vision for how we can better live in the substance and depth of our lives inspired by her home in the Peak District National Park.
11th FEBRUARY 2025 7:30pm
The Geology of Oman
James Cresswell of Geoworld Travel
Abstract to follow
11th MARCH 2025 7:30pm
Palaeobotany and the Tibetan Plateau
Prof. Bob Spicer of the Open University
Abstract to follow
1st APRIL 2025 7:30pm at G25 Earth Science Building
PhD Students
13th MAY 2025 7:30pm at G25 Earth Science Building
Prof. Jenni Barclay
'Reconstructing the eruptions of Soufriere, St Vincent and what it tells us about volcanic risk'
Abstract to follow
20th MAY 2025 7pm
AGM followed by a talk - Zoom