Professor Dorrell’s lecture will explore the sustainable transition from fossil to renewable fuels – recognising knowledge accumulated from nearly two decades of collaboration, partnerships and support from mentors, peers and colleagues.

First, he will describe the role underwater avalanches play in routing sediments into deep marine environments, including how they host natural resources that support the energy transition.  

Using theoretical models developed over the last decade, he will explain the previously enigmatic long runout of these flows.

He will then outline their changing societal importance within the context of global telecommunication security. Previously viewed as “rivers under the sea”, a new paradigm for flow-dynamics – similar to atmospheric jet streams on gas giants – may change perceived risks. 

This will lead to his analysis of the transition in offshore energy with the expansion of marine renewables, highlighting the need – and solutions – for a workforce and supply chain that is connected across the UK.

Circling back to the physics used to study underwater avalanches, he will discuss the novel challenges to environmental sustainability from offshore wind at scale as well as the unique opportunities for future nature-based solutions to climate change.