An illustrated talk by Dr. Martin Smith, a retired professional geologist, formerly Chief Geologist, Scotland and International Director with the British Geological Survey (BGS). He currently maintains his geological interests as an Honorary Research Associate with BGS and as a Trustee of the Highland Geological Society.
The geology of Breadalbane appears at first glance to be dominated by a monotonous sequence of metamorphic sedimentary rocks. But hidden in these rocks is a history of deposition in ancient sedimentary basins and ‘Snowball Earth’, subsequently deformed into huge folds as tectonic plates collided some 460 Ma ago (million years ago) and then, dissected by major faults that penetrate deep into the earth. As a result Breadalbane is rich in mineral deposits and subject to earthquakes with its glaciated landscape supporting a hydroelectric network of dams and pipelines. This talk will highlight some of the gems hidden in the geology and landscape of Breadalbane.
Martin is an author and co-editor of Geosciences and the Sustainable Development Goals (2021) and the 5th edition of The Geology of Scotland (2024). In 2016, Martin was awarded an MBE for services to Geological Science.
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