Ocean Author Lecture: Author to Discuss Giant, Rogue Waves and the Surfers Who Seek Them Out

Guest Speaker: Susan Casey, author of "THE WAVE"
Date: Thursday, Nov. 17
Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
Cost: $5
RSVP: 858-534-5771 or online

Imagine giant ocean waves that tower more than 100-feet high. Now imagine grabbing a surfboard and paddling out to face them.

Such is the premise of author Susan Casey's new book, "THE WAVE: In Pursuit of the Rogues, Freaks, and Giants of the Ocean. Join Casey for a special Nov. 17 lecture at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, during which she will discuss the science behind these mammoth waves and the life and death stakes of surfing them.

Casey will share stories from her incredible journey following extreme surfer Laird Hamilton and his crew on the hunt for gargantuan waves. She will also describe scientists' urgent efforts to understand the destructive powers of waves-from the 2004 Pacific tsunami that killed more than 250,000 people to the 1,740-foot-wave that recently leveled part of the Alaskan coast.

A booksigning will follow the presentation. Books will be available for purchase or can be pre-purchased at the aquarium Gift Shop.

About Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Birch Aquarium at Scripps is the public exploration center for the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fish and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and the Caribbean. An interactive museum showcases research discoveries by Scripps scientists on climate, Earth and ocean science and features nearly five-dozen interactive elements. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Birch Aquarium has an annual attendance of more than 415,000, including 45,000 school children.

Location:
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, Calif.
Phone:
858-534-4109
Website:
http://aquarium.ucsd.edu
Directions:
From Interstate 5, exit at La Jolla Village Drive.
West one mile. Left on Expedition Way.
Parking:
Birch Aquarium offers three-hour courtesy parking.