2 free lectures at WNC to observe Earth Week

Western Nevada College will present two free lectures to observe Earth Week, “Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis: The Violent History of Lake Tahoe” and “Adapting to Global Warming in the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin.”

The school’s recycling committee will present geology professor Winnie Kortemeier in “Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Tsunamis: The Violent History of Lake Tahoe” at 7 p.m. April 25 in the Marlette Hall in the Cedar Building. Kortemeier will offer scientific insight on the formation and history of Lake Tahoe by showcasing photographs, diagrams and rock samples she collected while working toward her doctorate. Her research focused on the young volcanic rocks at Lake Tahoe.

“My research indicates that volcanism is much younger in the Tahoe Basin than previously thought,” she said. “This suggests that future eruptions may, indeed, occur.”

Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

To continue the school’s Earth Week activities, Sierra Nevada Forums and the Western Nevada Office of Student Life will present Dr. Michael Dettinger speaking about global warming in “Adapting to Global Warming in the Sierra Nevada and Great Basin” at 6 p.m. April 23 in the Carson Nugget Community Hall in the Aspen Building.

Dettinger is a research hydrologist in the U.S. Geological Survey National Research Program and a research associate of climate at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in La Jolla, Calif. He has studied global, Western North American and Sierra Nevadan hydroclimatology of precipitation, snowpack and stream flow.

He uses historical and paleo-records of atmospheric circulations, ocean temperatures, stream flow, groundwater and water quality. Dettinger worked in Carson City in the 1980s, assessing groundwater resources, flow and chemistry in bedrock and aquifers.

Earth Week exhibits will be available for viewing before the climate lecture, with a wine reception for $10 will follow. To RSVP to the wine reception, call Valerie Anderson at 775-445-3222.

For more information about either lecture, call 775-445-3000.