The artistry of geology
Engineering geologist Michael Webster has combined his passion for Melbourne’s geology with art – turning geotechnical assessments into 3D printed models
Published 30 October 2019
You might not know it, but Melbourne has little earthquakes, even in the city centre and quite frequently.
So says Michael Webster, engineering geologist at consulting, design and construction company, Golder Associates, and guest lecturer for the Master of Engineering at the University of Melbourne.
“A lot of people know about the earthquakes down in Gippsland or the Otways, but actually in Melbourne itself, there have been earthquakes. You’d have to be a seismic instrument to actually feel these ones but they are there at all depths – some of them quite deep, some of them shallow,” he says.
From the geology beneath Melbourne, Michael has created an intricate, three dimensional picture.
“There are two lava flows under Melbourne, so you effectively get these beautiful layers cutting across each other, building up over about three to four million years to the present day,” he says.
“So, in collaboration with the Arts Centre Melbourne and Development Victoria, we 3D printed a ground model and put on an exhibition at the Testing Grounds in Southbank.
“It ran for a few weeks and it was lovely to see people’s interest and connection with the ground.
“I’ve always found that geology is one of the more approachable sciences. If people talk about gravity waves it’s absolutely fascinating, but with geology it’s there – it is rivers, volcanos, lava.”
Episode recorded: September 17, 2019.
Interviewer: Dr Andi Horvath.
Producer, editor and audio engineer: Chris Hatzis.
Co-production: Silvi Vann-Wall and Dr Andi Horvath.
Banner image: Golder Associates
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