NightSchool: Geology & Society

Explore the vast field of geology and how the ground beneath our feet affects our lives—and vice versa. Hear from researchers studying how human activities impact the Earth’s structure and consider how geologic features are linked to the culture of local communities.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Dr. Hendratta Ali, Professor of Geoscience at Fort Hays State University, investigates the impact of human activities on mangrove estuaries, which are among the world’s most valuable carbon sinks, removing carbon from the atmosphere and storing it in trees, soil, and water. Some of the largest cities in the world are located near these coastal wetlands, and Dr. Ali will talk about how the effects of rapid urbanization, aquaculture, and logging endanger ecosystem health.
   
• Learn about the geoheritage of Dominica with Davitia James, a geologist whose work focuses on volcano research. She’ll give an overview of the Caribbean island’s volcanic history, talk about who the Maroons were and the importance of the landscape to their efforts, and how our environment can shape us through history and culture as much as we shape it through our land-use practices.
   
• Humans have been causing earthquakes for well over a century, and with growing population and energy needs, it’s likely that we’ll feel more earthquakes in the coming years. Dr. Justin Rubinstein, USGS Research Geophysicist, talks about how and where people are causing earthquakes and why Oklahoma had more earthquakes than California from 2014–2017.

All NightLife virtual programming is intended for audiences 21+.

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PAST VIRTUAL NIGHTLIFE EVENTS

Missed the party? Just want to relive the magic? Watch the recorded livestreams on YouTube!