January 14 - Hollow Earth, Sunken Continents & A World Made of Plankton? A Look At Paranormal Geology


Presented by 
Thomas R. Holtz, Jr., Ph.D.
Principal Lecture, Department of Geology, University of Maryland
Research Associate, Department of Paleobiology, National Museum of Natural History

The public is familiar with pseudoscientific interpretations of biology (Creationism, cryptozoology, etc.) and astronomy (astrology, UFO abductions, etc.), but all sciences have their pseudo-versions. There have been various pseudo-geologies proposed over the centuries: interpretations of the structure and composition of the Earth radically at odds with our current understanding. Among these are ideas that the Earth is hollow (various configurations, including a notable one where we are on the inside of curve!), sunken continents (Atlantis, Lemuria, and beyond), and a truly bizarre idea that all physical matter on Earth was once alive. Some of these ideas were proposed in a scientific context, but have survived in various circles long after their refutation. Dr. Holtz will examine the origins, beliefs, and fates of these alternate Earth interpretations.

Dr. Thomas R. Holtz, Jr. is Principal Lecturer in Vertebrate Paleontology at the University of Maryland and a Research Associate in the Department of Paleobiology at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. He is the Faculty Director of the College Park Scholars-Science & Global Change program (a two-year living-learning program). In addition to his research work, he has published several books for the general audience (including the award-winning Dinosaurs; The Most Complete Up-To-Date Guide for Dinosaur Lovers of All Ages) and has been an expert for numerous documentaries and consultant for various museum exhibits.


Saturday, January 14, 2017
1:30 pm


National Science Foundation, Room 110
4201 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
(Ballston-MU Metro stop)
Enter NSF from the corner of 9th St. N & N Stuart Streets.
www.nsf.gov/about/visit

FREE admission – Everyone welcome, members and non-members