The National Earth Science Week celebration continues with an exhibition of Nevada's enticing geological history. The University of Nevada, Reno Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology is hosting the first Discover Nevada open house at the Great Basin Science Sample and Records Library, 2175 Raggio Parkway, between 5 and 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 15 and Thursday, Oct. 16.

The first night, themed "Nevada Gold Day," will focus on Nevada's position in the Gold Rush. Presenters will provide insight on related topics through engaging keynote lectures. John Muntean, NBMG associate professor and director of Economic Geology, will present "Nevada: America's True Golden State;" and Jim Faulds, state geologist and director of the bureau, will present "Why is Nevada in Hot Water: Overview of Nevada's Vast Geothermal Resources."   Nevada is currently in the midst of the biggest gold boom in the history of America. More gold has been mined in Nevada in the last 35 years than was ever mined in California. Ironically, settlers trekked over most of Nevada's gold as they rushed to find gold in California. Speakers will discuss why this gold was missed, how it forms, how one explores for it and what the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology does to help maintain this modern-day gold rush.

Ongoing displays of the evening will include samples of ore, geologic maps of mining districts and maps showing major mines and mineral/geothermal resource potential across the state. Expert geologists will be on hand to answer questions about gold, geothermal deposits and exploration activities in Nevada. Door prizes will include gold ore samples, a geologic map of Nevada and a geologic map of Virginia City.

 The following night, themed "Nevada is Earthquake Country," will highlight Nevada's position as the third most seismically active state in the country. Craig DePolo, research geologist with NBMG, will present "Nevada is Earthquake Country: How to Protect Life and Property," and other faculty will present "Tectonic Forces that Shape Nevada: Nevada's mini-San Andreas Fault". Discussions will focus on the impact of tectonic forces on the state, how to analyze faults and how Nevada can prepare and mitigate the effects of earthquakes.

"Nevada is richly endowed with natural resources and has more gold and geothermal resources than any other state," Faulds said. "But our evolving landscapes also make Nevada prone to natural hazards, including earthquakes, floods and landslides."   Ongoing displays will include samples of faults, maps showing earthquake distribution and history, earthquake animations, instruments that record earthquakes and a "find-that-fault" exercise. Faculty from both NBMG and Nevada Seismological Laboratory will be present to answer questions about Nevada's earthquakes and evolving landscapes.

"The open house is an opportunity for the general public to discover Nevada and learn more about our dynamic landscapes and unique geology," Faulds said.   The Great Basin Science Sample and Records Library houses vast collections of reports and rock and mineral specimens on Nevada's geology, resources and geologic hazards. Tours of the records library will be given at 5:30, 6 and 8 p.m. on both evenings. The main lectures will begin at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. each night.   The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology is the state's geological survey and charged with assessing Nevada's mineral, geothermal and oil-gas resources while also analyzing natural hazards to mitigate their effects. For more information, visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/upcoming-events#state  and http://www.nbmg.unr.edu/.