Geology Education Week rocks on next month

CNS Editor | 29/09/2015

High school students examine the geology of Cayman Brac

(CNS): The third annual Geology Education Week will be taking place from Monday, 12 October to Friday, 16 October, with renowned geologist Dr. Brian Jones again hosting the event. The Water Authority – Cayman will be facilitating Dr. Jones’ participation.

During the week, there will be geology lessons for high school teachers and their students. In addition, the National Trust for the Cayman Islands will host a public lecture, to be held at 6pm on Tuesday, 13 October, at the St. Matthew’s University lecture hall.

Water Authority director Dr. Gelia Frederick-van Genderen explained that the first Geology Education Week was held in 2013 and local interest has only continued to grow with each passing year. “The authority is thrilled that so many educators continue to show an interest in learning more about geology and promoting the importance of geology to their students,” she said.

“Dr. Jones has a long history with both the Cayman Islands and the Water Authority and we are pleased that he is once again able to share his expertise with local students, teachers and the general public.”

The geologist’s history of research and education in the Cayman Islands spans the last 30 years. According to the Water Authority, the practical applications of his work are evidenced in important infrastructure projects such as the development of the well fields for the authority’s Lower Valley and North Side Water Works.

“The authority believes in the importance of geology education in the Cayman Islands because of the many ways in which our country’s unique geology has informed and continues to inform our culture and development,” Dr. Frederick-van Genderen said.

The event will also recognise the recent publication of the textbook, Origin of Carbonate Sedimentary Rocks, written by Dr. Jones and his colleague, Dr. Noel James. Although not specifically focused on the geology of the Cayman Islands, the authority said the book is clearly informed by the extensive research conducted here by Dr. Jones over the past 30 years and will prove a vital source of information for upper-level undergraduates and professionals alike.

The authority will be donating copies of the book to all schools who are registered to participate in the programme. The book can also be purchased from the National Trust.