The University of Aberdeen recently announced a stellar line-up of its autumn inaugural lecture series. The Inaugural Lectures 2007 is showcasing some of the world’s leading thinkers and pioneers who have been recently appointed by the Institution from leading universities and institutions around the globe.
The autumn programme will give members of the public a rare insight into the research work of the University by academics who have achieved international distinction in fields as diverse as 19th century literature, global warming, the workings of the human mind, religion and conflicts in the 21st century, environmental engineering, and chronic pain.
The second lecture in the series will be presented next week (Monday, November 5) by Peter Clift, world recognised Professor of Geology, who will take us on a whirlwind journey through the fundamentals of climate change in the Asian Monsoon.
Professor Clift is an internationally-recognised geologist who has worked in the UK, Europe and the US, and will look at the connection between global climate change, the Asian monsoon, and their possible links to the development of human societies in Asia.
Professor Clift joined the University in 2004 when he accepted the position of the Kilgour Professor of Geology, one of the 6th century chairs. His current fields of interest include the development of the Asian Monsoon and its links to mountain building in Asia. To do this he reconstructs changing environments over millions of years using marine sediment cores.
Ahead of his lecture, The Geological and Societal Impacts of Climate Change in the Asian Monsoon, Professor Clift said: "The Asian monsoon is one of the most powerful and dramatic climate systems on planet Earth, which has become stronger not only over the last 22 million years, but also more rapidly since the end of the last ice age, twenty thousand years ago. Subsequent weakening since 8000 years ago has had strong impacts on the history of mankind in Asia, being linked to the collapse of Tang Chinese dynasty and the Indus Valley Civilization. Why is it happening? What are the competing influences of global climate changes and the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau caused by the collision between the continents of India and Asia.
"Whatever the reason, the consequences for the region have been huge for the appearance of the Greater Himalaya Mountains, the initiation of the last ice age and the conditions needed to allow the development of early civilizations across Asia. But, as future global warming promises to become stronger and more erratic, what will be the effect on the people of Asia and the planet as a whole?
"I hope that following my presentation, guests attending will have a clearer understanding of the geological and societal impacts of climate change in the Asian Monsoon."
The autumn programme of lectures will give the public a rare insight into the research work of the University by academics who have achieved international distinction in fields as diverse as 19th century literature, global warming, the workings of the human mind, religion and conflicts in the 21st century, environmental engineering, and chronic pain.
Karen Weiniger, Series Producer, said: "The Inaugural Lectures are an established way of universities welcoming and introducing new appointments. Here at the University of Aberdeen we have taken this fine tradition and with it created a truly fascinating season of public lectures, allowing the public a real insight into the ground-breaking work that is happening here at Aberdeen."
The Inaugural Lectures will take place at King's College Centre and the Polwarth Building, Foresterhill at the University of Aberdeen. For more information and to book your free place at the lectures, visit: www.abdn.ac.uk/inaugurallectures, or telephone: (01224) 273874.
Professor Clift's event begins at 6.00pm in King's College Centre on the Old Aberdeen campus, and will be followed by an informal wine reception.