Geology Week Educates Students and Professionals

The Water Authority – Cayman proudly concluded another successful Geology Education Week, celebrating the return of internationally renowned geologist Dr Brian Jones for a dynamic series of events aimed at deepening public engagement with the science of geology.

First launched in 2013, Geology Education Week is an annual initiative sponsored by the Water Authority and Dr Jones to foster local interest in the geological sciences. Dr Jones, a distinguished professor emeritus from the University of Alberta, has been conducting research in the Cayman Islands for more than four decades. His long-standing relationship with the islands culminated in the publication of Geology of the Cayman Islands: Evolution of Complex Carbonate Successions on Isolated Oceanic Islands — the definitive text on Cayman’s geological history.

This year’s program featured a professional development course for teachers and private sector professionals, offering participants an in-depth look at the unique geological features of the Cayman Islands. The course culminated in a field trip to key geological sites on Grand Cayman, with an additional excursion to Cayman Brac for ten participants.

Dr Jones also brought geology to life for students across the islands, visiting ten schools — including Layman E. Scott Sr. High School in Cayman Brac — to deliver engaging lessons on topics such as plate tectonics, the rock cycle, and coral reef formations.

Water Authority Director Dr Gelia Frederick-van Genderen said that the continued growth of Geology Education Week is a promising sign for the future of science education in the Cayman Islands.

“We are so grateful to Dr Jones for returning to the Cayman Islands to share his knowledge and passion with our teachers, students, and professionals,” she said. “Geology plays a critical role in both the day-to-day work of the Authority and the successful planning of major infrastructure projects. We hope Dr Jones’ visit will inspire the next generation of Caymanian geologists.”

Members of the public can also explore Dr Jones’s expertise through a growing library of educational videos from past sessions, available on the Water Authority’s website and YouTube channel. New content will be uploaded in the coming weeks.