GSM LECTURE, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2009

LOCATION: The University of Minnesota:  

Room 3-210, Computer Science/ Electrical Engineering Building, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis campus, east bank.

Geological Society of Minnesota - Lecture Series

Volcanic Events & Human Interactions

Kent Kirkby, Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota

Date:  Monday, November 2, 2009,  Lecture Begins:  7:30 PM

ABSTRACT:  Volcanism in Our Past

Volcanic eruptions include some of the most spectacular events in our past. All too often though, eruptions are treated as historic oddities, unusual events of limited importance in the greater scheme of things. Typically only violent eruptions make it into history books and even then the mention is brief, focusing on the eruption itself and any immediate death toll. This myopic approach grossly underestimates the long term impacts volcanism has played in human history and the way it shaped our society. Fixating on short term destruction also obscures the many benefits volcanism has provided us over a longer time frame. So this talk will be an opportunity to acknowledge, perhaps celebrate, the role volcanism has played in human history.

EDUCATION:  

Ph.D. 1994, University of Wisconsin - Madison 

INTERESTS: 

Helping my wife raise two inquisitive boys, interpreting and teaching Earth Systems, 

and slowly rebuilding my brother-in-law's farm as an unpaid, unskilled laborer.

Sent by Bill Robbins  

651-739-1146  robbins.wb@comcast.net