Join geologist Kirt Kempter for a fascinating survey of the African continent that covers a distinctive geologic history that extends from billions of years ago to today. The program is enhanced by numerous maps, photos, diagrams, and Google Earth imagery.

In South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zambia, ancient continental crust forms the basement rock, dating to approximately 2 to 3 billion years ago. Ancient mountains formed by past continental collisions have been subdued by eons of erosion. The iconic Zambezi River traverses the region from west to east and includes the ever-evolving Victoria Falls. In Botswana and South Africa, strange volcanoes called kimberlites erupted in the distant past, transporting raw diamonds from deep in the crust to the surface. 

Additional Program Opportunity: Join Kempter on April 11 for The Geology of East Africa and the Great Rift Valley.

Patron Information

• If you register multiple individuals, you will be asked to supply individual names and email addresses so they can receive a Zoom link email. Please note that if there is a change in program schedule or a cancellation, we will notify you via email, and it will be your responsibility to notify other registrants in your group.
• Unless otherwise noted, registration for streaming programs typically closes two hours prior to the start time on the date of the program.
• Once registered, patrons should receive an automatic email confirmation from CustomerService@SmithsonianAssociates.org.
• Separate Zoom link information will be emailed closer to the date of the program. If you do not receive your Zoom link information 24 hours prior to the start of the program, please email Customer Service for assistance.
• View Common FAQs about our Streaming Programs on Zoom.