EVENT: Dr. John W. Morse discusses the chemistry of ancient oceans that may have existed on Mars and how marine science relates to the search for life on other planets.
WHEN: 7 p.m., Thursday (Dec. 6).
WHERE: Visitor Center Auditorium at The University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute, 750 Channel View Drive and Cotter Street, Port Aransas.
BACKGROUND: Dr. John W. Morse, a professor of oceanography, will discuss the evidence of the presence of water on Mars, showing how the study of the oceans of Earth can relate to the possibility of life on other planets. Mars today is very cold and dry, but billions of years ago there may have been water at the surface and climatic conditions favorable for the development of living organisms. Morse, who teaches at Texas AandM University in College Station, will describe the greenhouse effect and the interactions of oceans and rocks. Knowledge of these processes and their history on Earth may help to unravel the early history of Mars. Morse’s presentation is part of the Laura Randall Schweppe Endowed Lecture Series in Marine Science sponsored by the institute. Morse has served on national advisory panels for the National Research Council, NASA and the National Science Foundation. He is the editor-in-chief of the journal Aquatic Geochemistry, and is an associate editor for Marine Chemistry. Morse received his Ph.D. from Yale University and has worked at Texas AandM since 1981. He holds the Scherck Endowed Chair in Oceanography. The lecture is free and open to the public.
CONTACT: For more information, contact Dr. Paul A. Montagna at (361) 749-6779 or Dr. John W. Morse (409) 845-9630.
For more information on the Marine Science Institute Web site.
