Global system change is theme of Earth Science Week events Oct.10--17

By Roger Segelken

"Change in the Global System" is the theme for a series of lectures and exhibits Oct. 10-17, when the Cornell Department of Geological Sciences and the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI) celebrate national Earth Science Week.

Cornell events feature President Emeritus Frank H.T. Rhodes, professor of geological sciences, speaking on "Symphony of the
Earth" on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 4:30 p.m. in 390 Myron Taylor Hall, the Moot Courtroom of the Law School. An open house in Snee Hall will follow the Rhodes lecture from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

University of New Hampshire geologist Gregory A. Zielinski will speak on "Use of a Multidisciplinary Approach to Evaluate the Volcanism-Climate System" on Friday, Oct. 16, at 4:30 p.m. in 1120 Snee Hall.

At the Paleontological Research Institution, 1259 Trumansburg Road, PRI Collections Manager Wendy Taylor will speak on "Finger Lakes Feather-shaped Fossils from an Ancient Sea" on Saturday, Oct. 10, at noon. Robert Ross, PRI director of education, will lecture on "Oceans and Life: A Perspective on Global Change" on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at 7:30 p.m.

Poster exhibits on earth sciences topics will be set up in Cornell's Snee Hall, at PRI and in downtown Ithaca.

"Earth Science Week is our way to make citizens aware that their understanding of geology and the earth sciences will enable them to make wise decisions on environmental and ecological issues," said Warren D. Allmon, the director of the PRI and an adjunct associate professor geological sciences and biological sciences Cornell.

Cornell Department of Geological Sciences Chairman Bryan L. Isacks said: "By observing Earth Science Week, we hope to give students new opportunities to discover the earth sciences, to highlight the contributions that the earth sciences make to society and to encourage stewardship of the Earth."