Each October, geologists celebrate Earth Science Week. Geoscience is the study of Earth, how it formed and the natural resources it contains. Geoscience spans a variety of fields, including chemistry, biology, physics and math.

Geothermal takes center stage for the 2022 Earth Science Week Field Trip

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG) will celebrate this year’s theme “Earth Science for a Sustainable World” with visits to Nevada’s geothermal sites on Oct. 16. Registration for the annual field trip filled up quickly. Registered participants will take a tour of Fly Geyser, hosted by volunteers with Friends of Black Rock-High Rock and Burning Man then visit the San Emidio geothermal area to learn about geothermal energy and the geology of the area.

Other ways to celebrate

NBMG also publishes a calendar featuring photos of Nevada’s unique and stunning geology and highlights dates where interesting events in Nevada’s geologic history took place. The calendars can be pre-ordered by Oct. 16 for a discounted price, and NBMG encourages geologists of all backgrounds to submit photos for the 2024 calendar photo contest.

Learn about alumnus and paleontologist Joshua Bonde ’03, who discovered Nevada’s first dinosaur, and his new role at the Nevada State Museum.

For people still looking for ways to explore earth science, the W. M. Keck Museum is always a great option. Visit the fossils in the museum on National Fossil Day, Oct. 12. The Museum is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the first Saturday of the month from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to the Keck Museum is always free.

Episodes of Mineral Monday can be found on the College of Science’s YouTube channel. Mineral Monday showcases some of the specimens in the Keck Museum. One episode explores Fly Geyser, so if you weren’t able to register for the NBMG tour, you can still learn about the famed geyser from the comfort of your own home!