Geography Department Research Seminar: Dr Murray Gray (School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London)
| Dates: | 2 May 2018 |
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| Times: | 16:00 - 17:30 |
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| What is it: | Seminar |
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| Organiser: | School of Environment, Education and Development |
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| Who is it for: | University staff, Adults, Alumni, Current University students |
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Geography Department Research Seminar
Geodiversity and its role in geosystem services, geoconservation and other ‘geos’
Dr Murray Gray (School of Geography, Queen Mary University of London)
Chaired by John Moore
Abstract:
Geodiversity is the abiotic equivalent of biodiversity. It describes the rocks, minerals, fossils, soils, landforms and physical processes of planet Earth. Geodiversity brings huge benefits to society (geosystem services) but is also threatened by human activities. This means that there is a need for its protection (geoconservation). This presentation will argue that geodiversity is the basis of valuing abiotic nature, selecting geoconservation sites and delivering geotourism benefits and geopark promotion.
Biography:
Dr Murray Gray is Reader Emeritus and former Head of the School of Geography at Queen Mary University of London. He graduated BSc and PhD from University of Edinburgh and researched on glacial geomorphology in western Scotland and Snowdonia for 25 years. In the 1990s he switched into more applied aspects including geoconservation. He has published numerous papers on this subject and his book 'Geodiversity: valuing and conserving abiotic nature' (Wiley) is in its 2nd edition (2013). Since the 1st edition (2004) he has given invited lectures around the world including USA, Canada, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, Brazil and throughout Europe. He is Visiting Professor at University of Minho, Portugal where he teaches on their Masters course on Geoconservation.
Travel and Contact Information
Find event
G.035/36
Arthur Lewis Building
Manchester
