Earth Science Week Message From Tennessee State Geologist Ron Zurawski

Greetings to the citizens of the great state of Tennessee as we prepare to celebrate Earth Science Week 2003. On September 16, 2003, Governor Phil Bredesen officially proclaimed the week of October 12 – 18, 2003, as Earth Science Week in Tennessee. In doing so, Governor Bredesen recognized the importance of geology and other earth sciences in each of our lives. From the role they play in supporting mineral and water resources, preparing for and mitigating natural hazards, solving environmental problems, and dealing with complex ecological issues, the earth sciences are crucial to sound decision-making and effective stewardship of our natural environment.

On October 16 and 17, 2003, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Department of Geological Sciences will be hosting its Fourth Annual Earth Science Fair for middle and high school students, teachers, and parents. Volunteers will provide displays, demonstrations, and hands-on activities that will increase participants’ understanding of the impact of earth-related processes on their daily lives. Since most of you will be unable to attend a formal activity such as this, I would encourage you to spend at least some time during Earth Science Week thinking about how earth science issues affect your own lives.

STATE OF TENNESSEE

PROCLAMATION

BY THE GOVERNOR

WHEREAS, geology and the other earth sciences are fundamental to the safety, health, and welfare of Tennesseans and to the economy of Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences are integral to finding, developing, and conserving mineral, energy, and water resources needed for Tennessee’s continuing prosperity; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences provide the basis for preparing for and mitigating natural hazards such as floods, landslides, earthquakes, indoor radon, and sinkholes experienced in Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences are crucial to environmental and ecological issues ranging from water and air quality to waste disposal; and

WHEREAS, geological factors of resources, hazards, and environment are vital to land management and land use decisions made in Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences contribute critical pieces to our understanding and appreciation of, and our respect for Nature;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Phil Bredesen, Governor of the State of Tennessee, do hereby proclaim the week of October 12 – 18, 2003 as,

EARTH SCIENCE WEEK

in Tennessee, and urge all citizens to join me in this worthy observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the official seal of the State of Tennessee to be affixed at Nashville on this 16th day of September, 2003.

Phil Bredesen
Governor

Riley C. Darnell
Secretary of State