University of Oxford Geologist to deliver guest lecture

Professor Mike Searle, a Geologist at the University of Oxford, will be delivering a public lecture titled ‘Colliding Continents’ next week (Wednesday, February 4) at the University of Derby.

During the lecture Mike will examine the geological forces that were involved in creating the world’s greatest mountain range. He will also share his personal accounts of extreme mountaineering and research in the region from his book ‘Colliding Continents: A geological exploration of the Himalaya, Karakoram and Tibet’ (published in 2013).

He has worked for 25 years along the Himalayan and Karakoram mountains of Asia, deciphering the tectonic and thermal evolution of mountain belts.

Mike said: “I am looking forward to speaking at the University of Derby next week. I became interested in geology as a teenager whilst living in Oman. I studied for my PhD on the famous Oman ophiolite and have been returning to Oman and the United Arab Emirates almost every year since on a variety of academic and consulting geology trips.”

Professor Hugh Rollinson, Head of Geography at the University of Derby added: “Mike’s talk will appeal to all those with an interest in popular science, as well as geologists, geographers, mountaineers and trekkers. I am particularly looking forward to hearing an up to date analysis of how the Himalayan mountain chain formed.

“Mike is one of the most experienced geologists of our time. I’m sure he will deliver a visually stunning and entertaining talk.”

The public lecture will be held at 5pm in Lecture Theatre OL2 at the University’s Kedleston Road site in Derby. There is no charge and advance booking is not required.