Monday, October 3, 2011

Ocean Author Lecture:
Author to Discuss Giant, Rogue Waves and the Surfers Who Seek Them Out

Scripps Institution of Oceanography / University of California, San Diego

Guest Speaker: Susan Casey, author of "THE WAVE"
Date: Thursday, Nov. 17
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Cost: $5
RSVP: 858-534-5771 or online

Imagine giant ocean waves that tower more than 100-feet high. Now imagine grabbing a surfboard and paddling out to face them.

Such is the premise of author Susan Casey's new book, "THE WAVE: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean. Join Casey for a special Nov. 17 lecture at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, during which she will discuss the science behind these mammoth waves and the life and death stakes of surfing them.

Casey will share stories from her incredible journey following extreme surfer Laird Hamilton and his crew on the hunt for gargantuan waves. She will also describe scientists' urgent efforts to understand the destructive powers of waves-from the 2004 Pacific tsunami that killed more than 250,000 people to the 1,740-foot-wave that recently leveled part of the Alaskan coast.

A booksigning will follow the presentation. Books will be available for purchase or can be pre-purchased at the aquarium Gift Shop.

About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, Earth and ocean science and features nearly five-dozen interactive elements. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Birch Aquarium has an annual attendance of more than 415,000, including 45,000 school children.

Location:
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, Calif.
Phone:
858-534-4109
Website:
http://aquarium.ucsd.edu
Directions:
From Interstate 5, exit at La Jolla Village Drive.
West one mile. Left on Expedition Way.
Parking:
Birch Aquarium offers three-hour courtesy parking.

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Note to broadcast and cable producers: University of California, San Diego provides an on-campus satellite uplink facility for live or pre-recorded television interviews. Please phone or e-mail the media contact listed above to arrange an interview.

About Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at University of California, San Diego, is one of the oldest, largest and most important centers for global science research and education in the world. Now in its second century of discovery, the scientific scope of the institution has grown to include biological, physical, chemical, geological, geophysical and atmospheric studies of the earth as a system. Hundreds of research programs covering a wide range of scientific areas are under way today in 65 countries. The institution has a staff of about 1,400, and annual expenditures of approximately $170 million from federal, state and private sources. Scripps operates robotic networks, and one of the largest U.S. academic fleets with four oceanographic research ships and one research platform for worldwide exploration. Birch Aquarium at Scripps serves as the interpretive center of the institution and showcases Scripps research and a diverse array of marine life through exhibits and programming for more than 415,000 visitors each year. Learn more at scripps.ucsd.edu.

• Jessica Crawford or Shannon Casey
• Phone: 858.534.3624
  birchaqmnews@ucsd.edu

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