Dr. Peter Rona
Exploring Oceans
Dr. Peter Rona studies ocean basins and continental margins using marine geological, geophysical and geochemical methods. His work has focused on the role of seafloor hydrothermal activity in concentrating mineral deposits and in generating thermal and chemical fluxes that impact the global environment. He has initiated multiple projects and has organized and directed multidisciplinary, multi-institutional, international research teams. He has served as chief or co-chief scientist on research expeditions with ships and submersibles every year since 1960. He has published over 250 scientific papers, an atlas of the central North Atlantic, co-edited four books, served as associate editor of two leading scientific journals and co-editor of five special issues, organized and chaired numerous scientific symposia, and has been 
instrumental in building and directing public science centers. He serves as Professor of Marine Geology and Geophysics at Rutgers University since 1994 and as consultant to the United Nations on seafloor resources and the marine environment. Prior to joining Rutgers University he was Senior Research Geophysicist with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Adjunct Professor of the graduate school of oceanography at the University of Miami.
Program Description: Prior to coming to the event, students will receive an ImagineNote describing the field of science practiced by each of the guest explorers. Students will come to the Scott Theatre to meet two famous scientists who are at the peak of their exciting careers in oceanography. Dr. Widder will tell stories about her dives deep into the ocean and her focus on bioluminescence after students see part of her award winning film, Bioluminescence: Secret Lights in the Sea. A Q & A will follow. Then students will meet Dr. Peter Rona and see part of the spectacular Volcanoes of the Deep film. He will discuss the volcanic activity at the bottom of the ocean and the dives that have been made to photograph and study this natural process.
Date: October 23, 24, 25
Location: Fort Worth Community Arts Center
Time: 10:00-11:30 and 12:00-1:30
Students Served: 500 per session; 3000 total Grades 4-12