Dundee experts recognised for tsunami films

Showcasing real-life evidence of tsunamis in the UK has earned a national award for two University of Dundee experts.

Geoscientists Professor Sue Dawson and Dr Simon Cook, from the University’s Geography and Environmental Science department, have been named recipients of the Geographical Association’s prestigious Silver Publishers Award for highlighting evidence of extreme geographical events on our own shores.

Developed in conjunction with colleagues at Bangor University, the Time for Geography videos incorporated animations, physical models, real-life footage, and on-location shots to reveal the causes of the tsunamis and what geoscientists can learn from past events.

Members of the Association hailed the videos for bringing to life a subject often neglected within textbooks and for outlining the importance of fieldwork in developing knowledge. The award was presented at its annual conference, which was hosted online due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Sue is a world-renowned hazard geoscientist and an expert on tsunamis. She has helped to reveal the impact that historic tsunamis have had in shaping the British Isles, work highlighted in the award-winning films.

Simon’s work focuses on hazards and risks associated with deglaciation, glacial erosion and sediment transfer, as well as improving the public communication of geohazard and risk science.

Sue said, “These videos represent the fantastic collaboration of everyone involved and a wonderful testament to the success of our partnership with Time for Geography in supporting secondary education as well as showcasing the excellent coastal landscapes on our doorstep.”