On Screen

Mad Max

by Science Moab|Published January 18, 2021

Panelists lead a discussion in front of an audience. — Scientist Mike Duniway answers an audience question about dust storms.

In March 2020 (pre-pandemic), Science Moab met Mad Max.

To round off our 2019-20 in-person programming, we led our first film-based event, using clips from “Mad Max: Fury Road” to discuss dust, desert degradation, and how Mad Max’s world went so dang wrong.

Thanks to panelists Mike Duniway, Travis Nauman, and Natalie Day from the United States Geological Survey, and Russell McCallister from the local Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action, for an incredible discussion at the Helipad! We learned about Moab’s renowned biological soil crusts, the crazy connection between cattle grazing and mountain snowpack, and the best substances for dust suppression (the answer may surprise you!).

A panelist smiles as he answers a question — Scientist Russell McCallister discusses Moab’s desert ecosystem.

Audience members watch clips from Mad Max. — Residents pack into the Helipad for Science In Film.

Read more about the event in the Moab Sun News and hear Executive Director Kristina Young on KZMU’s “Get an Earful” show, below.

Then, watch a recording of the discussion (movie clips omitted for copyright reasons).