A special geology lecture takes place on Wednesday, November 8 at noon in Darwin Hall, room 112. Dr. David A. Spencer is visiting from Oslo, Norway, and will give a talk and slide show titled "Mount Everest : A Geological Excursion to the Top of the World."
Lecture Overview:
Dr. David A. Spencer is an internationally known expert on the Geology of the Himalayas and has earned a reputation for his cutting edge interdisciplinary Work. He has made more than 150 scientific presentations of his research to professional groups at International scientific conferences and universities in Europe, Asia, Africa and the USA.
His enjoyment of mountaineering developed as his geological mapping projects took him to higher altitudes. He subsequently completed ascents of the Matterhorn (4478 m), Mont Blanc (4807 m), MÃ*nch (4099) and Jungfrau (4158 m) in the European Alps, as well as numerous 5,000-6,500 m Himalayan peaks in Pakistan whilst working for his PhD. In spring 1997, he reached the summit of the world's 6th highest mountain, Cho Oyu (8201m), without the use of supplemental oxygen.
Earlier this year, Dr. Spencer returned from an expedition to climb the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest (8848m). On 15 May, 2000, as the narrow "window" for summit attempts began to close and most team members turned back due to injuries and acclimatization problems, Dr. Spencer and the remaining members of three teams formed a coalition to attempt the summit.
For more information, contact the Geology Department, 707 664-2334.
