Sinkholes can seem mysterious or scary, but they tell an amazing geological story. In this talk, I will explore the fascinating science behind sinkholes: how they form, the types of rocks in which they typically develop, and the tools geoscientists use to understand them. These circular geohazards form in soluble rock and range in diameter from less than a metre to over one hundred metres. Sinkholes form in evaporite-rich rocks across Nova Scotia, including near the white gypsum cliffs along Highway 101 and beside the giant blueberry in Oxford. Sinkholes also form in limestone, such as those found in southern mainland Greece. l will discuss how field mapping and remote sensing are used to map current sinkholes and what we can do to predict locations for future sinkhole development.

Biography: Mo Snyder (they/them) is an Associate Professor in the Earth and Environmental Science Department at Acadia University. Mo has a passion for field work; they have had the privilege to work across Canada and Europe, mapping rocks wherever they go. Much of their current research focuses on using a current understanding of salt tectonics to gain insight into the formation of geohazards.   

---

Every week during the academic semesters, we invite ALL members and members of our local community to join us for a free, casual ALLways Learning Series (formerly Lunchtime Learning Series).

We cover topics both big and small in scope, from local to international, and from arts to sciences. We aim to offer lively talks from engaging speakers that anyone in the audience can enjoy. No registration is required.

See the full schedule here!