Behind the scenes of tsunami research with Dr Annie Lau

Dr Annie Lau is a coastal geomorphologist specialising in analysis of past occurrences of coastal hazards (e.g. storms and tsunamis) through sedimentary, geomorphological and historical records for assessing the future threat in coastal areas. She has worked on several tropical coasts in Queensland, Southern China, and Pacific islands including Fiji, French Polynesia, and Tonga. She is a senior lecturer at the University of Queensland, teaching in a range of topics from marine science to disaster management.

Recently, Dr Lau’s research team discovered a huge tsunami boulder on Tonga that got some global media attention. In this presentation, Annie will explain her team’s research in Tonga, and share her experiences working in remote island communities with unique cultures and disaster histories. Media article on Tonga boulder: https://www.iflscience.com/worlds-largest-cliff-top-boulder-was-rolled-from-30-meter-high-cliff-by-ancient-tsunami-79314.

When: Thursday 25th September 2025

Time: 06:30pm – 07:30 pm

Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members

Location: 1/28 Fortescue Street, Spring Hill & Zoom