Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Announces Winter Evening Lecture Series

November 18, 2008

By Jessica Crawford

Scripps Institution of Oceanography/UC San Diego

Dates: Dec. 8, Jan. 12, Feb. 9
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Public: $8
Students/Educators: $5
RSVP: 858-534-5771

The Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series provides concise, comprehensive presentations on climate change and other research conducted worldwide by scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Scripps scientists are exploring Earth’s mysteries in hundreds of research projects under way on every continent. Learn about science at Scripps and join researchers on their paths to discovery.

Monday, Dec. 8
The Forgiving Air: Understanding Environmental Change
Richard Somerville, Scripps Distinguished Professor Emeritus
It might be a great comfort if Earth and its climate were constant. They are not, having changed naturally for as long as the planet has existed. Now, the earth’s nearly seven billion people are such a potent force that their influence on the global environment has begun to rival that of Mother Nature. Join Richard Somerville as he weaves critical findings in climate science into a more accessible story, making the most important issues of our time understandable to all. At 6 p.m., Somerville will sign copies of his book, The Forgiving Air: Understanding Environmental Change, which will be available for purchase. Click here for more information.

Marine ecosystems such as coral reefs would be negatively impacted by a more acidic ocean.

Monday, Jan. 12
Acidic Oceans: Why Should We Care?
Andrew Dickson, Scripps Marine Chemist
As a result of human activities, levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are higher now than they have been for millions of years. But the atmosphere is not the only resting place for it. The ocean absorbs almost half of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activities, changing its chemistry in ways that may have significant effects on marine ecosystems. Join Scripps marine chemist Andrew Dickson as he explains what we know  – and what we don't – about this emerging problem.

Monday, Feb. 9
Future Stewards of Our Planet
Scripps Oceanography Fellowship Students
Learn about the challenging work of several fellowship students at Scripps Oceanography. Explore topics as diverse as climate science, coastal oceanography and earth science. The students will give brief presentations on their research discoveries and share visions for the future of their work.

Perspectives lectures are intended for a lay audience. Birch Aquarium admission and parking are included. Light refreshments will be served.

Past lectures air on UCSD-TV and broadcast to more than 16 million viewers via satellite and cable television. Past lectures also can be found on YouTube. Click here for more information.

Media Contact: Jessica Crawford or Shannon Casey, 858-534-3624