Sea-Level Change: The Highs and Lows

Sea levels are rising. And with climate change, they are set to rise higher in the years to come. With millions of people around the world living at the coast there is real concern that a future rise in sea level will cause chaos to coastal towns and cities.

But whilst these are likely to be the most dramatic changes in human experience since the end of the last ice age, the world has experienced many significant changes in sea level in the geological past.
Now, Alastair Dawson, Honorary Professor of Physical Geography at Dundee University will chart this remarkable history of sea level change – the amazing story that takes from the depths of the world’s oceans to Antarctica and Greenland.

Along the way, he’ll address some of the biggest misconceptions in sea level change research, discuss key issues such as ice melt and vertical land movements, and explain what the future is likely to have in store for us – including why Scotland is in a much better position than England to cope with these challenges owing to a phenomenon called glacio-isostatic rebound!

Commenting on the upcoming talk, Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the RSGS said:

Climate induced sea level change is set to be one of the defining problems of the future, affecting some of the most vulnerable people in the world. Alastair’s talk will inform our audiences in terms of the global and historical context of these changes, and inspire them to take any actions they can toreduce their impact on the environment.

Since 2013, Alastair has been Honorary Professor of Physical Geography at the University Dundee. He has published over 100 papers on aspects of coastal change and his latest book, Introducing Sea Level Change explains the ideas contained in his talk in much more detail.

Before his talk in Dundee, there will be a small reception from 7pm to launch Introducing Sea Level Change, including fizz and nibbles. All are welcome.

Tickets are available on the door: £10 for visitors, £8 for Tiso Outdoor Experience Card Holders, Free for RSGS Members, Students and U18s.