LAKEPORT, Calif. – The Lake County Library invites the public to get to know about Lake County’s geology at Lakeport Library, 1425 N. High St. at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 21, when Dr. Harry Lyons asks and answers the question “How Did Here Get Here?”
Lyons' presentation is part of the library’s free lecture series, “Know Lake County.”
Lyons says, “We live in a clutter of marine rocks, delivered from the Pacific by forces beautifully described by a theory called Plate Tectonics. The position and composition of the rocks, for millions of years, have formed and subsidized the ecosystem of the Clear Lake Basin. Our dynamic landscape, powered by the San Andreas Fault System, has led to the development of our famous eutrophic lake, a favorite of biologists worldwide.”
What better way to enjoy the broad explanatory power of this theory than by listening to an oceanographer who gathered magnetic data to support it, decades ago?
Lyons emphasizes three local rocks in recounting the history of the North Coast: sandstone of the Franciscan Complex; serpentine of the Coast Range Ophiolite; and basalt of the Clear Lake Volcanic Field. He relates where they can be viewed and what stories they can tell.
Lyons is professor of biology at the Clear Lake Campus of Yuba College, where he teaches biology, ecology, physiology, microbiology and, on occasion, statistics. He served as the scientific advisor and secretary to the Upper Putah Creek Stewardship.
He holds earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and environmental science from Rutgers College and a PhD in oceanography from the Scripps Institution.
Dr. Lyons’ enthusiasm for Clear Lake is expressed in original lyrics for spirited songs that add zest to a presentation designed for those weary of PowerPoint.
The Know Lake County programs will take place on the third Saturday of each month from February through December at 2 p.m. at Lakeport Library.
Know Lake County delves into many facets of Lake County with family-friendly programs designed to inform and entertain local residents about Lake County.
For more information about Know Lake County and other library programs call 707-263-8817.
Lectures scheduled in coming months will feature the Berryessa Snow Mountain Region; Lake County insects and other critters; the Lake County Master Gardeners; the Taylor Observatory; and Anderson Marsh Interpretive Association. The year will conclude with programs on Lake County’s prehistory; Konocti Regional Trails, the Soper Reese Theatre and the Children’s Museum of Art and Science.
Know Lake County’s full schedule is posted on the Know Lake County Web site www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Lake_County_CA__Library/KLC.htm . The schedule is subject to change without notice.
The Lake County Library is on the Internet at http://library.co.lake.ca.us and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/LakeCountyLibrary .
Library events are also posted at http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Lake_County_CA__Library/Calendar.htm .
Jan Cook works for the Lake County Library.