Online Lecture: How An Erupting Volcano’s Ripple Effect Led to Frankenstein

Why do volcanoes exist? And why do some eruptions produce relatively gentle and non-deadly rivers of lava, while others are more explosive than the largest nuclear bomb? Geologist and researcher Daniel Horns takes you through a short introduction to volcanoes before turning his focus to Mount Tambora on the island of Sumbawa and its eruption in 1815. This was the largest volcanic eruption in recorded human history and its impact was felt far beyond Indonesia. Discover how this seismic event altered Earth’s climate — and somehow also resulted in Mary Shelley writing "Frankenstein" in a lakeside villa in Switzerland … more than 7,000 miles from Tambora and more than a year after the eruption.

Your online lecture will take place live over the course of 1-2 hours. All times are listed in the EASTERN time zone. If you live in a different time zone, please adjust your schedule accordingly. This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar, an easy-to-use web video service that includes closed captioning. All you need is an Internet connection and your computer. You will receive a confirmation email when you enroll, and a reminder email one week and one day before, as well as the morning of the event with a link and instructions on how to tune in. You will not be pictured on screen during the lecture, but you will have the opportunity to ask the instructor live questions using the Q&A box. Unless otherwise noted, all those who enroll in this program receive access to the live event as well as a recording of the lecture that you can watch any time within the two weeks following the live event.