USU's Science Unwrapped Explores Fossil Succession Friday, Oct. 6

What is a fossil, and how can we tell how old it is? Utah State University geoscientist Evey Gannaway Dalton says the principle of fossil succession is fundamental to our understanding of the relative age of different rocks.

Whoa! Back up! What is the principle of fossil succession? Gannaway Dalton, assistant professor in USU’s Department of Geosciences, will talk us through this fascinating concept, as we listen for what ancient life can tell us about Earth’s distant past. She presents “Chronological Order: Telling Time with Utah’s Fossil Record” at USU’s Science Unwrapped public outreach program at 7 p.m. in the Emert Auditorium, Room ESLC 130, of the Eccles Science Learning Center. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Hands-on learning activities led by USU student groups and community volunteers, along with refreshments, will follow Gannaway Dalton’s presentation. The talk will also be recorded and posted on the Science Unwrapped website, within a week of the in-person event.

Directions and parking information are available on the program’s website.

Gannaway Dalton’s talk is the second presentation in Science Unwrapped’s 2023-24 “Building on Basics” series, which explores varied scientific principles, with exciting examples and illustrations from diverse disciplines.

“This year’s approach is to examine basic scientific principles and how they fit into varied scientific disciplines,” says Brynja Kohler, Science Unwrapped chair, associate dean in the College of Science and professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “We have a wonderful group of scientists lined up to speak at this year’s events, and it will be fun to hear their different perspectives.”

Established in 2009, Science Unwrapped is a public outreach program of USU’s College of Science.