G I TAYLOR LECTURE – The influence of GI Taylor: granular collapses, viscous gravity currents, explosive eruptions and chemical gardens

Mon 29 January 2024

Department of Chemistry

The G I Taylor Lecture by Professor Professor Herbert Huppert FRS FRSN, Professor of Theoretical Geophysics, Faculty of Mathematics, University of Cambridge

The first talk in a series of lectures organised by the Cambridge Philosophical Society in the Lent Term 2024.

Abstract: The presentation will start will a short summary of the seminal work of G. I. Taylor and his most famous student, G. K. Batchelor. Evaluations of the propagation of muti-sized granular material under a variety of conditions will then be described, as well as being illustrated with desk top experiments.

The lecture will then discuss the all important flow of viscous gravity currents, again illustrated by desk top experiments and actual photos and explanations of the recent eruption of the Soufriere of St. Vincent. A description of the development of chemical gardens will then be described, initially experimented upon by Johan Glauber, said to be the first chemical engineer, and then by Isaac Newton. It is said by some that chemical gardens are the origin of life, at deep-sea smokers, as will be described.

Cost: free