The Earth Under Construction

Kathleen Springer, senior curator of geological sciences at the San Bernardino County Museum, will give a special lecture, “The Earth Under Construction,” at the San Bernardino County Museum on Sunday, February 19 at 2 PM. The presentation is included with paid museum admission.

In her lecture, Springer will discuss the all-encompassing theory in geological sciences: plate tectonics. “It is a fascinating and elegant theory that explains how and why the continents drifted all over the globe in the geologic past and continue to do so—breaking apart, colliding, and grinding against each other,” said Springer. “I will explore why there is a ‘Ring of Fire’ circling the Pacific Rim, producing numerous earthquakes and volcanoes, and the culprit in the great Tohoku earthquake and tsunami of last year, as well as our own San Andreas Fault. Plate tectonics explains how mountain chains rise up; how the sea floor spreads apart and closes again; and why the earth is a place of earthquakes and violent volcanoes. I will show the development of the plate tectonics paradigm starting with the early seafaring explorers, who noticed the fit of the continents over six hundred years ago, and work through the science as it stands today. The evidence as well as the mechanisms will be revealed.”

A sneak peak of a newly constructed Plate Tectonics exhibit in the Hall of Geological Wonders, “Evolving Science”, will allow visitors to see how we are able to talk about big picture ideas in earth sciences, using our backyard as the example.

Springer has been recognized by the Association of Environmental Professionals for environmental education. She is a resident of Claremont, California.

The San Bernardino County Museum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 9 am to 5pm. General admission is $8 (adult), $6 (military or senior), $5 (student), and $4 (child aged 5 to 12). Children under five and Museum Association members are admitted free. 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.