Socorro, NM
October 18, 2019
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a proclamation declaring October 13-19, 2019 as “Earth Science Week.” This declaration recognizes geology and earth science as crucial components of New Mexico’s wellbeing. Earth science plays a vital role in conservation as development proceeds in precious minerals, energy and water resources. Earth science also gives us tools to anticipate and protect against natural hazards, and promotes appreciation for New Mexico’s unique landscapes.
The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources recognized Earth Science Week in a number of ways. The Bureau hosted an open house on October 17 attended by members of the public and a sixth grade science class from Cottonwood Valley Charter School in Socorro. During the open house, visitors joined people from around the world in learning the Great ShakeOut drill “Drop, Cover, and Hold On” to protect themselves during violent shaking from a large earthquake. For the main event, Bureau geologist Dr. Shari Kelley gave a presentation “The spectrum of energy resource choices powering YOUR future.” The presentation discussed the many sources of energy generation available today as well as some of their pros and cons. In addition, art created by students from Cotton Valley Charter School was displayed, and winners of the art contest were announced. The students’ art will be sent on to a national competition hosted by the American Geosciences Institute. A raffle to win a Selenite crystal helped Education Outreach raise money to fund community education activities that will allow the Bureau to promote earth science awareness year-round.
Additionally, the Bureau of Geology partnered with public radio station KUNM 89.9 FM in Albuquerque to produce a series of 2-minute podcasts “Earth Matters: Field notes on the geology of New Mexico’s enchanting landscapes” that aired from October 14-18. During the segments, New Mexico Tech Earth and Environmental Science graduate students, New Mexico Tech faculty, and Bureau staff discussed a number of earth science topics, including arroyos, hurricanes, and how scientists numerically date rocks using nuclides produced by cosmic radiation. If you missed the live broadcasts, you can you can listen to MP3s from this and previous years.
The American Geosciences Institute established Earth Science Week in 1998 to help the public gain a better appreciation and understanding for earth science, and the role that earth science plays in everyday issues. This year, the theme of Earth Science Week was “Geoscience is for Everyone.” This theme emphasizes the inclusive potential of geoscience and its importance in everyday life. The New Mexico Bureau of Geology is proud to carry this message forward by participating in Earth Science Week.