February 18, 2005 Boise State Kicks Off Free Public Lecture Series On Tsunami Disaster On Feb. 23

In an effort to further understanding of December’s devastating tsunami that claimed more than 287,000 lives, Boise State University will present a free public lecture series beginning Wednesday, Feb. 23.   “Terror From the Sea: Understanding the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami” is an interdisciplinary effort by BSU academic departments and programs to explore the causes of the Dec. 26 tsunami, its historical context, and the social, political, environmental and health issues the tragedy is continuing to generate.   The series kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, with a lecture by BSU seismologist Jim Zollweg, “Why a Moderate Tsunami Was the Most Deadly in Recorded History.” The lecture, aimed at a general audience, will be held in Room 113 of the Math Geosciences Building, located west of the Administration Building off of University Drive.   Zollweg, who has conducted research on earthquakes and volcanoes worldwide, will give a multi-media presentation about the causes and effects of tsunamis. He will discuss how earthquakes generate tsunamis, how they cross oceans, how scientists predict when and where a tsunami will occur, and how warning systems work.   Other lectures in the series include:   • March 3: “Indonesia and the Tsunami: A Historical Perspective,” presented by history professor David Christensen.   • March 10: “Global Environmental History Perspective,” presented by history professor Lisa Brady.   • March 16: “The Politics of Help: Foreign Assistance and the Boxing Day Tsunami,” presented by political science professor Ross Burkhart.   • March 30: “Health Effects of Tsunamis: Immediate and Long Term Concerns,” presented by Uwe Reischl, director of the Center for Health Policy.   These lectures begin at 7:30 p.m. in Room 106 of the Liberal Arts Building, located west of the Special Events Center. Pay parking is available in the parking structure on University Drive and Brady Street or the Administration parking lot on University Drive. -more- In addition to the lecture series, a one-credit workshop for BSU students will be held Feb. 26-27 at BSU. The workshop will include lectures, discussions and  hands-on demonstrations with BSU faculty from a broad range of disciplines, including geosciences, history, health sciences and other fields. Students can register for the workshop online at http://broncoweb.boisestate.edu/   Also, BSU’s Volunteer Services Board will organize a blood drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross on March 4 to support ongoing tsunami relief efforts. For an appointment to participate, call 426-4240.   “Terror from the Sea” is sponsored by the BSU Volunteer Services Board, International Programs, Extended Studies and Center for Health Policy. For more information, contact Extended Studies at 426-1709.   30-   Contact: Jim Zollweg, Department of Geosciences, (208) 426-3250, jzollweg@boisestate.edu                                                               Media Contact: Janelle Brown, News Services, (208) 426-1790, jbrown2@boisestate.edu