Atoll Island
  • In person – Lower Lecture Theatre, Sherwell Centre, University of Plymouth / online via Zoom

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Please join the Geological Society, in partnership with the University of Plymouth, for this instalment in the Climate Off the Rails series. 
This event will comprise a presentation titled 'Impact of sea-level rise on atoll islands – is drowning the inevitable outcome?' by Professor Gerd Masselink, followed by a structured discussion.
The dominant narrative in the media is that the inevitable impact of sea-level rise on atoll islands is drowning. Sea-level rise is considered an existential threat to the atoll island nations such as Tuvalu, Kiribati, Marshall Islands and Maldives. An alternative viewpoint is that atoll islands have the ability to respond to rising sea level by building up the island elevation through flooding-induced sedimentation. It is argued that this natural adaptive capability can potentially extend the habitability of atoll islands. 
This presentation will use geological and oceanographic observations, laboratory experimentation and numerical modelling to reconcile these polarising viewpoints on the future of atoll islands. Informed by the latest research, case studies and insights, it will also discuss how a toolbox of adaptation measures can be used for tailoring adaptation strategies to specific atolls islands to mitigate against the adverse impacts of sea-level rise.
This hybrid event is open to all and can be attended in person or online via Zoom.

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About the speaker

Gerd Masselink, Professor of Coastal Geomorphology and Head of the Coastal Processes Research Group (CPRG) at the University of Plymouth, is one of the world’s leading authorities on the coastal impacts of extreme storms. 
From the Atlantic coast of Europe to atolls in the Pacific, his research has consistently focused on measuring and investigating the consequences of storms and use the understanding obtained to develop methods and tools to predict our coastlines now and in the future.
Plymouth pioneers Professor Gerd Masselink

Climate & Ecology: Off the Rails

A groundbreaking new series on Climate & Ecology research
Events will take place around the UK, co-hosted by the Geological Society and the various host institutions, and will feature a topical research seminar by a local expert in their field, followed by a panel discussion. Topics of discussion will range from climate impacts upon the world's oceans, to those on land and in our atmosphere. 
Geological Society poster

Regional events

  • Wednesday 2 October: University of Plymouth, Professor Gerd Masselink – Impact of sea-level rise on atoll islands – is drowning the inevitable outcome?
  • Monday 25 November: University of Aberystwyth, Professor Sarah Davies – Climate change, sea level and storminess in Wales – a palaeoenvironmental perspective
  • Wednesday 4 December: University of Liverpool, Dr Rob Duller – How do sedimentary layers record information about past climate change?
  • January (tbc): University of Glasgow, Dr John MacDonald – Anthropogenic Geomaterials: what are they, and how do they impact climate and ecology?
  • February (tbc): Durham University, Dr Caroline Clason – Exploring the importance of glaciers for water, food and energy security
  • March (tbc): University of Birmingham, Dr Shan Huang – Complex climate change impact on biodiversity dynamics in space and time
  • 8–9 September: The Geological Society – title tbc

Full details on the Geological Society website

 

Delivered in partnership

 

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