Public Lecture Series: Science in Action

About the Lecture Series

The USGS Science in Action public lecture series in Reston, VA is a monthly event. These evening events are free to the public and intended for a general audience to familiarize them with science issues that are meaningful to our daily lives. In addition, many of our public lectures can be followed live via our @USGSLive Twitter account.

The USGS speakers are selected for their ability and enthusiasm to share their expertise with an audience that may be unfamiliar with the topic.

The USGS lecture series provides the public an opportunity to interact with scientists and ask questions about recent developments in biology, geography, geology, water resources, climate change, energy and more.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a better understanding of the importance and value of USGS Science in Action.

Lecture Schedule

Inclement Weather: If Fairfax County Schools and activities are cancelled, the USGS Evening Lecture in Reston will be cancelled.

All lectures are held the first Wednesday of every month. For additional information please contact the USGS Visitor Center in Reston Virginia at 703-648-4748.

Lectures are held at the USGS in the Dallas Peck Auditorium, on the first floor of the USGS Building in Reston, Virginia. See below for directions to the USGS.

Wednesday, October, 3, 2012, 7:00 PM
Title: The Drought Chronicles 2012
More Tales of the Hydro-illogical Cycle
By: Harry Lins, Ph.D.

Drought is a normal and recurrent feature of climate. Indeed, moderate to severe drought has been observed in some part of the United States in every single week over the past decade. So what, if anything, distinguishes the drought of 2012 from other episodes during the past decade, or the past century? What causes periods of intense dryness, and what is the outlook for drought in the coming months and years? Join us on Wednesday, October 3 for these answers and more.