Engineering Colloquium

Who: Dr. Robert Thorson, professor of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Connecticut will discuss, "Stone by Stone: The Magnificent History in New England's Stone Walls." Dr. Thorson relates a scientific as well as a sociological history of stonewalls. He views these walls both as architecture and as landforms, much like the coral reefs of Florida or the caves of Kentucky. Beginning with the Ice Age formation of the stones, Thorson explains that by clearing away old growth forests, colonial farmers enabled the stones to emerge from the ground. Farmers found that they could efficiently clear the stones by stacking them into low-rising walls. Thorson examines the environmental impact of this practice, as well as the construction, function, and structure of the different types of walls that were built. Finally, he examines the demise of stonewalls and the structures that replace them today.

When/Where: Monday, November 3 in the bldg. 3 Goett auditorium at 3:30 p.m.

For more information, visit: http://ecolloq.gsfc.nasa.gov/announce.thorson.html