The Department of Geology/Geography; Sigma Gamma Epsilon, a national honor society for the earth sciences; and the National Association of Geology Teachers will sponsor a talk by Robert Jorstad, professor of geology and geography, titled “Hawaii: Basalt and Beaches” for the 2002 National Earth Sciences Week, Oct. 13-19.

The lecture will take place at 7 p.m. Monday in Room 3040 of the Physical Science Building.

The program is designed to provide each student with a strong, broad background in geology and/or geography, yet is sufficiently flexible to allow students freedom to follow their own interests, the geology/geography department Web site said.

The talk will be about the different geological features of Hawaii, including the beaches and volcanic eruptions, Jorstad said.

“I was there (in Hawaii) this summer to witness the eruption of Mount Kilauea,” Jorstad said.

Mount Kilauea has continuously erupted since 1983 and there are times when it erupts more violently, like it did this summer, Jorstad said.

“Part of Hawaii had to be closed down because of the eruption,” Jorstad said.

This is the third year of Earth Science Week at Eastern. Unfortunately, Earth Science Week is abbreviated this year because of Fall Break and midterms, Jorstad said.

“(‘Hawaii: Basalt and Beaches’) is the only lecture we’re holding this year,” Jorstad said.

All are welcome to attend the talk, especially anyone interested in Hawaii, volcanoes and beaches.

“This won’t be a technical talk,” Jorstad said.