Volcanic Geology on Dominica in County Museum
On Wednesday, April 25, join Dr. Joan Fryxell for a guest lecture series’ presentation, “Volcanic Geology on Dominica,” at San Bernardino County Museum at 7:30 p.m. This lecture is free of charge.
The study of active volcanoes increased in the U.S. after the 1980 eruption of the Mount St. Helens, but no catastrophic eruptions have occurred in North America in the last two decades. This quiescence has resulted in students pursuing other paths, leading to a dearth of volcanologists. Volcanoes, however, remain potentially active.
“We are presently conducting research on Dominica with undergraduate students to develop their scientific skills,” said Fryxell. “Dominica is of particular interest from the unique aspects of its deposits. While this is ongoing work, we have provided the Dominican government with the first geological map of the island, which is providing a geological base for hazard management planning. Early water chemistry results indicate that source temperatures of some hot spring systems are increasing, while others are decreasing. After the 2007 field season, about 40 students will have contributed to this work.”
Dr. Joan Fryxell, professor of geology at California State University, San Bernardino, earned her Ph.D. in Geology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She held postdoctoral positions at the U.S. Geological Survey and at Harvard University prior to coming to California. She has conducted research on crustal extension in western North America for the past couple of decades. More recently, she has expanded her work to collaborate with Dr. Alan L. Smith on potentially active volcanoes on Dominica.
This program is part of a series of guest lectures offered at no charge by the county museum. Upcoming guest lectures are James Sandos on converting California (May 23), and Alexis Tray on biological anthropology and forensics (June 27).
The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Parking is free. For more information, visit www.sbcountymuseum.org.
The museum is accessible to persons with disabilities. If assistive listening devices or other auxiliary aids are needed in order to participate in museum exhibits or programs, requests should be made through Museum Visitor Services at least three business days prior to your visit. Visitor Services’ telephone number is 909-307-2669 ext. 229 or (TDD) 909-792-1462.
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