This month’s speaker was Dr Jonathan Paul, a geophysicist from RHUL.

The Thames is obviously one of the reasons why our area is susceptible to flooding but Dr Paul explained that groundwater flooding (one of the subjects of his research) is a much more dangerous problem.

Studies have shown that the gravel aquifer layer in the Staines area is very thin and the construction of new developments with foundations going through this layer can exacerbate the problem.

Another part of his team’s research was to map the water table under Staines which showed an unusual pattern of fluctuating heights.

He also described his meetings with Spelthorne and Runnymede councils and other bodies to present the results of his research. A very informative talk on a subject of considerable local interest.