[SEMCO] "Oceans Alive" Lectures

[Sheri DeRosa]

Greetings!

Join WHOI Sea Grant for its 14th annual series of lectures entitled
“Oceans Alive: Plain Talk on Current Topics in Marine Science Presented
for the General Public.” The talks are free of charge and are designed
to inform and involve the general public in relevant and timely marine
science issues. This year’s series will feature the following
presentations:

Tuesday, April 23 (“Oceans Alive” Family Night)
“Young Scientists Present: Winning Science Fair Projects”
This special evening features science presented by young people. There
will be a poster session and reception following the brief
presentations, allowing an opportunity for discussion and interaction in
an informal setting. Presenters include local high school students from
Falmouth High School, Mashpee High School, and Falmouth Academy. While
students of all ages are welcome, the presentations will be most
appropriate for students in grades 4-12.

Tuesday, April 30
“Return of the Osprey: Author David Gessner on his Recent Book”
Cape Cod resident and author David Gessner will discuss his book,
“Return of the Osprey: A Season of Flight and Wonder.” A “Booklist”
review of the book says: “Watching the birds court, catch fish, and
build nests, Gessner finds that their lives become increasingly woven
into the fabric of his own life. He adjusts his schedule to that of the
birds, rising early to watch adults feed chicks, resting at midday when
they do, and spending hours observing behavior… This beautifully written
story of a season with birds of prey makes for engrossing reading as we
learn about osprey life from a master essayist.” The author will also
sign copies of his book following the presentation. Copies will be
available for purchase.

Tuesday, May 7
“Glacial History and contaminant Transport on Cape Cod”
Ann Mulligan, an assistant scientist in WHOI’s Marine Policy Center, is
studying subsurface sediments from the upper Cape, and has found
evidence that a large glacial lake once covered the area. These lake
deposits -- clays, silts, and fine sand -- were subsequently buried
beneath sand and gravel outwash from a nearby glacier. The relationship
between the lake deposits and the outwash sediments has important
implications for groundwater contaminant transport, including at least
one of the plumes at the Massachusetts Military Reservation.

All presentations begin at 7:00 p.m. in Redfield Auditorium, Water
Street, Woods Hole (parking is available in the lot opposite the
auditorium). For more information, contact WHOI Sea Grant at (508)
289-2398 or seagrant@whoi.edu.