Since the 1960s, geology has been revolutionized by the discovery of tectonic plates and plate collisions. After a brief introduction, this lecture will explore diagrams, photographs, and descriptions of plate collisions. How can you tell whether you are looking at a present or past collision? In some cases, rocks even record more than one collision.

Many people wish they understood more about the rocks they encounter while traveling, and this lecture is intended to open new perspectives on the incredible arena of plate tectonics. Attendees will also have the opportunity to examine rock samples that evince past, massive, ultra-slow collisions at their localities. This offers the rare chance to quite literally touch the train wreck. Presented by Bill Shefchik, a geologist for Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company in Kansas City for 27 years.