Pennsylvania DCNR Urges Celebration of Earth Science Week Oct. 14- 20

Oct 12, 10:19 AM

Current Headlines: To: STATE EDITORS

Contact: Terry Brady of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, +1-717-772-9101

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBerardinis today urged students, teachers and residents to observe Earth Science Week, which Governor Edward G. Rendell proclaimed for Oct. 14-20.

Geology and other earth sciences are fundamental to the health, welfare and safety of Pennsylvanians and to the economy of the commonwealth, said DiBerardinis. Earth sciences contribute critical elements to our understanding, appreciation of and respect for nature.

Earth sciences are the study of geologic features such as rocks, minerals and ground water, as well as atmospheric conditions. Pennsylvanians have turned to earth sciences to help understand and respond to earthquakes, landslides, sinkholes, droughts, floods and other natural events.

The importance of earth sciences to Pennsylvanians is evident in the historic and modern importance of economic resources such as water, coal and natural gas, aggregate and concrete, DiBerardinis said. The shape of the states land surface and presence of floods, landslides, sinkholes and other geologic hazards also have shaped our history of settlement, transportation and development, and will continue to do so.

The secretary said recently-issued drought watches in many areas of the state have placed earth sciences in the spotlight.

Drought shows us the importance of understanding the environment around us, DiBerardinis said. Celebrating the study of earth sciences is an important step toward recognizing and conserving our precious natural resources.

Marking its 10th year with the theme The Pulse of Earth Science, Earth Science Week is a national initiative with nearly 40 other states observing the week with activities. DCNRs Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey will be conducting and encouraging educational programs across the state, focusing on developing a new understanding of earth science and its impact on the states economy and society.

National Earth Science Week is part of the American Geological Institutes yearly focus on geology and related subjects. Earth Science Week has become an international event with participants celebrating around the globe.

For more information on DCNRs Bureau of Topographic and Geologic Survey, call (717) 702-2017 or visit www.dcnr.state.pa.us(select Geology). To request an Earth Science Week information packet, or for more information on Earth Science Week, visit the Earth Science Weeks Web site at www.earthsciweek.org.

Editors Note: A copy of Governor Rendells proclamation of Earth Science Week, Oct. 14-20, follows.

PROCLAMATION

EARTH SCIENCE WEEK

OCTOBER 14-20, 2007

WHEREAS, Geology and the other earth sciences are fundamental to the health, welfare and safety of Pennsylvanians, and to the economy of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences are integral for discovering, developing and conserving the valuable energy, mineral and water resources needed for Pennsylvanias continues prosperity; and

WHEREAS, as earth sciences provide the basic information and understanding that are crucial to environmental and ecological issues relating to the beneficial use of Pennsylvanias land and water resources; and

WHEREAS, understanding geological aspects of natural resources, hazards and the environment is vital for the beneficial land management and land use decisions made in the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences contributes critical elements for our understanding and appreciation of, and respect for nature.

THEREFORE, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim October 14-20, 2007, as Earth Science Week in Pennsylvania, and I urge all Pennsylvanias geoscientists to join with their colleagues to provide assistance to communities and schools in understanding the importance of earth sciences.

Given under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this 12th day of October, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and seven, and of the Commonwealth, two hundred and thirty.

EDWARD G. RENDELL

Governor

CONTACT: Terry Brady

(717) 772-9101

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

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