Carson City geoscience highlighted on Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology field trips

The Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology will host the 17th Annual Earth Science Week field trips, which highlight the dynamics of geosciences, on Saturday and Sunday. The same field trip will run on each day, providing two opportunities to attend.

The national theme, “Earth’s Connected Systems,” focuses on Nevada’s geological treasures. This year’s trips honor Nevada’s 150th anniversary of statehood and explore the landscapes near Carson City.

This year, NBMG is partnering with Winnie Kortemeier of Western Nevada College. Geologic staff and faculty with the Nevada Division of Minerals will also participate.

“The field trip is a great way to experience first-hand some of the geologic wonders in the Carson City area and learn more about the region’s geologic hazards and natural resources,” James Faulds, Nevada State Geologist and Director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, said. “It’s a great opportunity to collect some mineral specimens, view one of the region’s youngest volcanoes, and visit some major faults that continue to shape our landscapes with periodic earthquakes.”

Geologists will be on-site helping participants locate and identify plants and rocks. At the end of each field trip, participants will be able to take home a real geological map created during their excursions. There will also be an opportunity to learn more about geocaching and EarthCaching — a high-tech treasure hunting game using GPS devices.

NBMG staff encourages preparedness for the trips. They advise bringing water, lunch, sunscreen, hat, first-aid kit, walking stick, gloves, camera, binoculars, bag or bucket for collecting samples, safety glasses if using a hammer, and a GPS receiver, which is optional. The day’s activity will involve hiking and climbing around rocks, so participants are encouraged to wear appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes or hiking boots.

The trip is free and open to the public. Participants are required to sign up online prior to the trip and sign a waiver form. The waiver must be printed as a paper copy, with a signature and date. It can be submitted prior to the field trip or brought to the field trip meeting place.

Attendees will meet at 8 a.m. in the parking lot of the Nevada Division of Minerals offices at 400 W. King St. The field trip will leave each morning from the office at 8:30 a.m.

For more information, call 775-682-8772. To learn more about the educational activities during Earth Science Week, go to the national Earth Science Week website at http://www.earthsciweek.org/.