Oblivion and Obsidian

Where Earth’s moving tectonic plates meet, the resulting deformation often leads to devastating earthquakes. The strength of the crust and how it deforms controls the size and location of earthquakes. Geologists study rocks from these areas to measure their physical properties, and often measured rock strength does not correlate to the size of earthquake that has occurred. This discrepancy is often related to the presence of water – in this talk I will outline how and why water influences earthquake rupture as well as showing you how geologists study water that was deep within the Earth.

Obsidian is a mysterious substance. In Minecraft, it's key to accessing the Nether; in Game of Thrones, it's needed to kill Night Walkers. In our real world obsidian appears featureless and dark, and has been used for occult objects and jewellery, or as the basis of a range of compelling glass art and sculpture. But how is it formed in nature? What does it tell us about the mechanics of the Earth? I’ll show you the surprising way we think obsidian is forged in volcanoes, and the ways in which we are working with glass artists and glassblowers to unravel the science and the art of obsidian.