State Geologist James E. Faulds presents a thought-provoking question as the topic of the Nevada State Museum’s Frances Humphrey Lecture Series at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28. In “Why is Nevada in Hot Water: Tectonic Controls on Geothermal Activity in the Great Basin,” Faulds focuses on how fault systems initiate and evolve through time.
Geothermal studies enhance understanding of what controls hot fluids in the earth’s crust and aid in exploration and discovery of energy resources. Scientists study geologic faults and stress conditions to determine where to drill.
Faulds won the 2012 Peer Review Excellence Award for his work on geothermal energy technology. He has been with Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology since 1997, originally as a research professor and now director and state geologist. He specializes in structural geology, tectonics, and geothermal systems. He has studied crustal deformation in many parts of the world, including several regions of the U.S. and western Turkey.
Faulds’ research has contributed to developing more sophisticated exploration strategies for geothermal systems. He has also taught courses at the University of Nevada, Reno in structural geology, tectonics, geothermal exploration, and field geology, including directing UNR’s geology field camp for five years.
The museum is at 600 N. Carson St. Doors open at 6 p.m. The program is free for museum members and for youth age 17 and under. Regular adult admission is $8 and includes the lecture. For more information, contact Deborah Stevenson: dstevenson@nevadaculture.org or 775/687-4810, ext. 237.