What was on?

Irish Geology Week
1st – 7th May 2007

A Tale of Two Planets: Earth, Mars, and Life

Professor Andy Knoll
Harvard University
6.30pm 9 November 2006
Burke Theatre, Trinity College Dublin

Earth, a small blue dot orbiting an undistinguished star, is remarkable in one respect: it supports a diversity of living organisms and has done so for nearly four billion years.  Mars, a bit smaller and farther from the sun, presents a strikingly different visage. Its cold, dry, and chemically harsh surface does not provide a likely abode for life.  Water-cut channels that scar the martian landscape, however, suggest that earlier in its history, Mars may have been a different place, perhaps more like Earth, perhaps even habitable.

Over the past three years, NASA’s Mars Exploration Rovers and the European Community’s Mars Express orbiter have provided new perspective on Mars as a young planet.

If they were ever similar, Mars and Earth parted environmental company early in their histories.  By 3-4 billion years ago, the martian surface was already arid, not to mention at least regionally acidic and oxidizing.  If life ever took root on Mars, the most likely places to find its paleontological signature are sedimentary rocks found in Mars’ oldest terrains, more than 4 billion years old. The fundamental differences between Earth and Mars with respect to habitability appear to reflect physical differences established when the planets formed.

Tickets are free, but must be booked online at www.ria.ie. A small number of tickets will be available by phone on 01 6762570.

Early booking is recommended.

This event is organised by the Royal Irish Academy Geosciences Committee and is supported by The Irish Times and DEPFA Bank.

Marble Arch Caves European Geopark
European Geopark Week 2006

Northern Ireland contains some of the most varied natural landscapes across Europe from the rounded peaks of the Mourne Mountains and the stunning black and white cliffs of the Antrim coast to the hidden underground caverns of the Marble Arch Caves. It is here at the Marble Arch Caves that we are lucky enough to find Northern Ireland’s only Geopark. Being a Geopark not only helps to ensure that this breathtaking landscape is being conserved for future generations, but also ensures that landscape is being used responsibly by anyone that visits. By doing this the Geopark is able to give something back to the local community and protect one of our most precious natural resources.

European Geopark Week allows folks to see what goes on and the work that is involved within each Geopark and encourages people to explore and learn more about some of the natural landscape around them.  Marble Arch Caves European Geopark is organising a variety of special events to celebrate its unique landscape so that everyone can appreciate just how special it really is.

Event: International Biodiversity Day Guided Walk
Date: Monday 29th May
Time: 2pm
Duration: 1½ hours
Location: Meet at Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre Car Park
What: The Ulster Wildlife Trust, Fermanagh District Council and Conservation Volunteer’s Northern Ireland have teamed up to celebrate the natural wonders we have on our own doorsteps and highlight some of the issues affecting our most important habitats.  The walk will be led by Martin Lawson, from Conservation Volunteer’s Northern Ireland and accompanying him will be Martina Magee, Fermanagh Biodiversity Officer. During this time Martin will discuss the various wetland, woodland and grassland habitats in the area and their importance for wildlife.
Booking: Required (e-mail martina.magee@ulsterwildlifetrust.org or telephone Martina on 028 6632 5050).
Additional information:

Event: Fossil Tours
Date: Monday 29th May
Time: 1pm, 3pm
Duration: Each tour is 30 minutes
Location: Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre Car Park
What: The car park of the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre contains lots of fossils for you to look at but sometimes it’s hard to know where to look. Why not join the Geopark Geologist and find out where the fossils then make your own to take home at the fossil factory.
Booking: None required
Additional information: Warm waterproof clothing and stout footwear is recommended.

Event: Fossil Factory
Date: Monday 29th May
Time: 12pm to 4pm
Duration: No limit, just come along and leave when you like.
Location: Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre
What: The rocks around the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre are full of fascinating fossils so why not come along and make your own version to take home. You can make a fossil out of plaster-of-Paris or come and make a fossil rubbing.
Booking: None required

Event: Geoparks Uncovered
Date: Wednesday 31st May
Time: 6.30pm to 7.30pm (doors open 6pm)
Duration: 1hour
Location: Lecture Theatre of the ELTC (Old Geology) Building at QUB
What: Everything you ever wanted to know about European Geoparks and more. Come and find out about European Geoparks, what we are, where we are and what we do.
Booking: Required (email kirstin.lemon@detini.gov.uk or telephone the Geological Survey at 028 90388454)

Event: Journey from the Bottom of the Sea
Date: Sunday 4th June
Time: 11am to 4pm
Duration: 5 hours (30 minutes for lunch)
Location: Meet at Cladagh Glen Car Park
What: Meet up with Geopark staff and travel back in time as you explore the sights and sounds of the Cladagh Glen, travel through the Marble Arch Caves and then begin to discover Cuilcagh Mountain.  As you walk you will travel up a through a 340 million year old sea bed to a 330 million year old sea shore so come along, clues from which can be seen in the rocks around you.
Booking: Require (email kirstin.lemon@detini.gov.uk or telephone Marble Arch Caves at 028 6634 8855).
Cost: £10 (includes cave tour)
Additional information: Warm waterproof clothing and stout footwear is recommended. Lunch will be at the visitor centre so restaurant and picnic facilities are available.