Science of Landscapes

Our landscapes are continuously evolving. In some places this goes quick (well, geologically speaking), in other places quite slow. Tom will present a sweeping overview of his work on landslides in China, the Himalaya (Nepal, Bhutan) and closer to home in the UK. From debris flows and large loess landslides (a windblown silt which they have a lot in China) that can move at speeds faster than the national speed limit, to persistent slow moving large slides, some more than 5 km long. Tom explores the dangers posed to local populations, infrastructure, and the recovery of affected communities.

The engineering ingenuity of the Victorian era has had a lasting impact on the UK, with a legacy that can be observed across the railway network in particular. Although much of the railway assets used today were built prior to the development of modern design codes, their longevity has been impressive. Despite this, railway earthworks are at an increasing risk of failure as they deteriorate over time and climatic conditions change. David will discuss the evolving threat of rainfall-driven landslides and the difficulties these create in the management of the 190,000 earthwork assets in the UK.

Waterfalls evoke images of energy, power, and majestic grandeur. A constant and mesmerizing sight in our mountainous landscapes, waterfalls have a unique place in culture and history. In this talk, Ed will demonstrate how they are also the single most important feature of landscapes, and ultimately how they set the size and shape of any mountain range on Earth. Join us on the journey, as we chase Waterfalls.