100 years ago on June 6, 1912, Novarupta and Katmai volcanoes erupted explosively to create Katmai caldera and the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, called the eighth wonder of the world by early explorers. USGS geologist and noted Novarupta-Katmai expert Judy Fierstein will describe the excitement and rewards of geologic fieldwork in this remote and wild Alaskan setting. Why has this area remained scientifically important for 100 years, and what insights does it still offer about earth processes that shape our worlds?

For more information, contact Amelia Barrales at abarrales2@usgs.gov or call 650-329-5000.

http://online.wr.usgs.gov/calendar/

Scientists at the USGS Menlo Park campus are leaders in research on earthquakes, water quality, volcanoes, coastal and marine geology, mineral and energy resources, geography, and the San Francisco Bay ecosystem. The exhibits and presentations at the 2012 Open House illustrate the diversity of projects in which USGS employees are engaged.

We hope that you and your family will take advantage of this unique opportunity to interact with USGS scientists, enjoy hands-on exhibits, and gain a greater appreciation of our connection to the natural systems of our dynamic planet – Earth.

There is no admission charge. Although nearby parking lots are expected to be adequate, local residents are encouraged to walk or bicycle to the event.

For information, email Amelia Barrales at abarrales2@usgs.gov or call (650) 329-5136.

http://openhouse.wr.usgs.gov/2012/index.html

Earthquakes are among the most terrifying and deadly of all natural phenomena that we face on a recurring basis. The US Geological Survey’s Dr. William Ellsworth presents an overview of the underpinnings of earthquake science and discusses important results being obtained from a new generation of scientific tools for studying earthquakes. This event is sponsored by the UC Berkeley Seismological Laboratory. http://seismo.berkeley.edu/news/lawson_lecture.html

How is one of the most well known and frequently visited national parks being used by creationists to argue for Noah’s Flood as a historical event? From presentations at geological conferences to rafting trips, creationists are increasingly staking a claim to the Grand Canyon’s geology to promote the idea of a 6,000 year-old Earth.

Steven Newton, Programs & Policy Director of the National Center for Science Education, will explain what creationists say about Grand Canyon geology, why they say it, and how science shows their claims to be unsupportable. Please join us at this FREE “Skeptalk” presented by the Bay Area Skeptics.