This illustrated talk will look at various scientific approaches and techniques applied to caves and the deposits they contain, looking for clues as to their formation and past history of changing climates and environments. What do we look for? How do we identify significant changes and how can we date them?

Speaker: Dr Tim Lawson completed his PhD thesis at the University of Edinburgh in 1983 on the Quaternary geomorphology of Assynt, one of the classic areas of Scottish Geology. Caves and what they contained formed a significant part of his research. He has written over 60 academic papers on aspects of the geomorphology of this and adjoining areas, and edited several books. Having retired from a teaching career in 2019, he has reinvigorated his research interests and is currently an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Aberdeen.