Paleofloods, Landslides & Salmonids: Using Lasers to Peer Behind Cascadia’s Green Veil
with Josh Roering, PhD, professor of geological sciences at the University of Oregon
The coastal mountains of Cascadia emerged from the sea over ten million years ago and have been mantled by trees ever since. Deciphering the history of this geologically active landscape (or even just navigating it!) is challenging due to the dense, closed canopy forests that characterize much of Northern California, Oregon, and Washington. Hidden beneath the foliage, the landscape harbors a fascinating and dynamic geologic history. These tales are not born by slow, incremental change, but instead reveal remarkable catastrophe and resilience.
In this talk, UO Professor Josh Roering will describe how geologists are using high-resolution topographic data generated from lasers mounted on low-flying airplanes to map the Earth’s surface in amazing detail. These LiDAR (light detection and ranging) datasets are rapidly emerging and have revealed numerous surprises regarding how geological processes shape our region. The LiDAR-enabled discoveries have profound implications for habitat conservation, hazard planning, and natural resource management.Josh Roering
, Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Oregon, is a geomorphologist with the National Science Foundation and NASA-funded projects in New Zealand, Northern California, South Africa, and Oregon. He and his research group study the evolution of landscapes, focusing on the role of life (i.e., biology!) and landslides in shaping the surface of the Earth. To do this, they use remote sensing data, field observations, and laboratory experiments to study Earth surface processes ranging from ice needle growth to mountain beaver burrowing. Josh received the University of Oregon’s Ersted Award for distinguished teaching and a Faculty Excellence Award. He teaches courses in environmental geology, tectonic geomorphology, and data analysis. When away from the lab, Josh enjoys traveling with his family, playing tennis, listening to Neil Young LPs, and following the Minnesota Twins.
Science Pub Eugene is a monthly event open to all ages. No RSVP or scientific background required. Just bring your curiosity, sense of humor, and appetite for food, drinks, and knowledge!
$5.00 suggested cover charge. Tell your friends. We hope to see you there!
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