From tectonics to dinosaurs: CIÊNCIAS at Feira Internacional de Minerais, Gemas e Fósseis

Professors and researchers from Ciências ULisboa, with the support of doctoral, master's and bachelor's students, as well as the Geology Student Group (NEG), organised various activities, providing the public with direct contact with different areas of research. The Fair attracted more than 5,500 visitors, establishing itself as a true celebration of Geology and Earth Sciences.

The Faculty's participation began with the activity ‘Folds in rocks and mountain ranges in the palm of your hand’(“Dobras nas rochas e cadeias de montanhas na palma da mão”), led by Ícaro Dias da Silva, focusing on tectonics and structural geology. By observing deformed rocks over 300 million years old, collected in Portugal, it was possible to understand the processes of formation of the Varisca mountain range, in the context of the continental collision that led to the formation of the supercontinent Pangea.

Ágata Alveirinho Dias presented the activity ‘Exploring the ocean floor’ ("Explorar os fundos oceânicos”), which provided an insight into the methods used to study the seabed and its potential in terms of mineral resources. The initiative included the observation of samples collected at a depth of over 3,000 metres from oceanic rift regions, including black smokers.

Critical and strategic minerals were highlighted in the activities ‘Unveiling technologies with minerals’ (“Desvendar as tecnologias com minerais”) and ‘At the critical minerals decision table’ (“À mesa da decisão dos minerais críticos”), led by Bernardo Teixeira. Through practical and interactive activities, participants identified different minerals and reflected on their essential role in the energy transition, reducing carbon emissions and meeting the decarbonisation targets set out in the Paris Agreement.

In the area of Coastal Geology, researchers Ana Bastos and João Cascalho led the activity ‘Tsunami in action!’ (“Tsunami em ação!”), which included small-scale wave and tsunami simulations. The initiative visually demonstrated the impact of these phenomena on erosion and sediment deposition on beaches, highlighting the importance of scientific knowledge for coastal protection and adaptation to climate change. The activity was also attended by retired professor César Andrade, a pioneer of Coastal Geology in Portugal.

Palaeontology was represented in the activity ‘Following in the footsteps of carnivorous dinosaurs’(Seguindo os passos dos dinossáurios carnívoros”), led by Elisabete Malafaia, who explained the different stages of the work of vertebrate palaeontologists, from field excavation to laboratory analysis.

The activity ‘PALEOAVEIRO, from rock to microscale and from microscale to illustration’ (PALEOAVEIRO, da rocha à microescala e da microescala à ilustração”), led by Pedro Mocho, allowed participants to explore a rare collection of vertebrate fossils from the Upper Cretaceous of Aveiro, highlighting the importance of small fossils in reconstructing life in the past.

At the invitation of MUHNAC, Professor Mário Cachão also presented the educational programme “Rocha Amiga” (Friendly Rock), through eight practical activities aimed at different age groups.

The programme also included lectures and a round table discussion on mineral resources, sustainability and the relationship between science and society, with the participation of lecturers and researchers from Ciências ULisboa, reinforcing the Faculty's commitment to scientific dissemination and the promotion of Earth Sciences.