By Doug Tattershall

Kentucky and 20 other states have declared the second full week of October as Earth Science Week, and geologists in 23 countries plan to participate in Earth Science Week activities.

Geology field trip for teachers and home-schoolers -- University of Kentucky geology professor Paul Howell will lead a field trip specifically for science teachers to Red River Gorge from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 9.  The group will leave from the UK Slone Research Building on Washington Avenue between Rose and Limestone streets.  Reservations should be made at (606) 257-3932 or phowell@pop.uky.edu.

Guided tours of McConnell Springs -- KGS geologists will conduct geologic tours every half hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 11 and 12 at the site off Old Frankfort Pike.  A 30-minute presentation in the McConnell Springs education room will be followed by a 30-minute walking tour of the site.  Reservations should be made by at (606) 257-5500 cruthven@kgs.mm.uky.edu.

Open house -- The Department of Geological Sciences will host an open house from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Slone Research Building, featuring a seismometer to measure artificial earthquakes, a black-light display of fluorescent minerals, a trading post for rock collectors and guided tours of the mineral and fossil collection.

Education exhibit -- Information on flooding, landslides, earthquakes, water quality and supply, waste disposal, energy and mineral resources will be on hand at exhibits from Oct. 10 to 16 at the Lexington Public Library on Main Street and on Oct. 15 and 16 at Fayette Mall.

The American Geological Institute initiated Earth Science Week last year as part of the institute’s 50th anniversary.  Kentucky and 20 other states have declared the second full week of October as Earth Science Week, and geologists in 23 countries plan to participate in Earth Science Week activities.