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A massive earthquake hit Japan on March 11 and the subsequent tsunami brought tremendous damage to the northeastern regions of Japan. What is the cause of earthquakes and tsunamis? Does Hong Kong face a risk of earthquakes as well?
To enable the public to gain a better understanding of how these natural disasters come about, the Hong Kong Public Libraries of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will hold a talk entitled "Earthquakes and Tsunamis" at 3pm on July 3 (Sunday) at the Lecture Theatre of the Hong Kong Central Library. The talk will be conducted in Cantonese with free admission.
Professor Chan Lung-sang from the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Hong Kong will introduce the mechanism and cause of earthquakes and tsunamis, and compare the major earthquake events of recent years including the Sumatra tsunami in 2004, the Sichuan earthquake in 2008 and the recent Japan earthquake.
He will share his views on the disasters' implications for science and society, on how each may have changed views toward preparation and planning for natural disasters, and on earthquakes in the Hong Kong region.
Professor Chan received his Masters and PhD in geology and geophysics from the University of California-Berkeley and taught geology at the University of Wisconsin for 10 years. His research interests include the tectonics and geology of South China and geophysics. He is actively engaged in the promotion of earth sciences and was awarded the first University Distinguished Teaching Award by the University of Hong Kong in 2010.
Free tickets will be distributed at 5/F, Map Library, Hong Kong Central Library from June 17 (Friday) on a first-come, first-served basis.
For enquiries, please call 2921 0351.
Ends/Friday, June 10, 2011
Issued at HKT 10:00
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