Volcanoes, Earthquakes and Disaster Preparedness the Focus at the California Science Center

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- During a news conference held at the California Science Center, experts shared their perspectives on volcanoes and earthquakes in Southern California and the importance of being prepared. The event took place in Pompeii: The Exhibition, in a gallery that displays images of some of the world's active volcanoes. August 24 marks the anniversary of the Mt. Vesuvius eruption that destroyed the Roman city of Pompeii.

Participants included Paul Lundgren, Principal Scientist, Jet Propulsion Lab, Margaret Mangan, Geologist, U.S. Geological Survey – California Volcano Observatory, and Mark Benthien, Director of Communication, Education and Outreach, Southern California Earthquake Center and Executive Director, Earthquake Country Alliance. Diane Perlov, Senior Vice President of Exhibits, introduced the speakers.

The residents of Pompeii felt earthquakes yet many did not leave their homes. "The eruption in 79 A.D. did have precursory activity, so it was not without any forewarning," stated Lundgren. "The problem was the people at the time did not know how to interpret that warning."

Today, there are sensors stationed around hazardous volcanoes. Although there are no volcanoes in the greater Los Angeles area, there are several in California. Said Mangan, "The closest hazardous volcanoes to the city of Los Angeles are about 150 to 200 miles away. They seem to be far but an eruption at either one of Coso Volcanic field (Inyo County) or the Salton Buttes (Imperial County) would produce an ash cloud that, depending on which way the wind was running, could impact the city of Los Angeles."

"In Southern California, there are over 300 faults that can have a magnitude 6 earthquake at any time," stated Benthien. "In fact, there can be 30 earthquakes in one day, though most are not felt by anyone. So we live in earthquake country and we really do need to prepare to survive and recover for the earthquake that can happen at any time." Benthien, who also manages the annual California Shakeout event, cautioned that the "big one" can happen at any time and people should prepare now.

In addition to the news conference, a tour of the exhibition's Eruption Theater allowed guests to relive the August 24^th eruption of Mt. Vesuvius as floors shook and walls rumbled, through an immersive CGI experience. It provided a reminder of what the citizens of Pompeii encountered on that fateful day.

About the California Science Center and Ticket Information

The California Science Center is a dynamic destination where families, adults and children can explore the wonders of science through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, innovative programs and awe-inspiring films. Its mission is as follows: "We aspire to stimulate curiosity and inspire science learning in everyone by creating fun, memorable experiences, because we value science as an indispensable tool for understanding our world, accessibility and inclusiveness, and enriching people's lives."

The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive. The Science Center is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 pm. Please check the Science Center web site for schedule updates. Tickets for Pompeii: The Exhibition are currently on sale. Guests are encouraged to buy tickets online at www.californiasciencecenter.org to reserve an entry date & time. The general information number is (323) SCIENCE. Pompeii: The Exhibition admission prices are $19.75­­­ for adults 18-59, $16.75 for youth 13 to 17, college students with I.D. & seniors 60+, and $12.75 for children 4 - 12. Member discount rates are $12.75 for adults, $11.75 for youth 13 to 17, college students with I.D. & seniors 60+, and $10.75 for children 4-12. Pompeii: The Exhibition and IMAX combination ticket prices are $26.00 for adults 18-59, $21.25 for youth 13-17, college students with I.D. and seniors 60+, and $16.50 for children 4-12. Member discount rates for combo tickets are $18.25 for adults, $15.25 for youth 13 to 17, college students with I.D. & seniors 60+, and $13.75 for children 4-12. Special rates for schools and other groups of 15 and over apply. The exhibit's special group information number is (213) 744-2019. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Admission to all other Science Center exhibits is free. More information is also available at www.californiasciencecenter.org

Go Metro to the California Science Center. Ride the Expo Line to the Expo Park/USC Station. For the best route, use the Metro Trip Planner at www.metro.net

About Premier Exhibitions, Inc.

Premier Exhibitions, Inc. (Nasdaq:PRXI), located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a foremost presenter of museum quality exhibitions throughout the world. Premier is a recognized leader in developing and displaying unique exhibitions for education and entertainment including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, BODIES...The Exhibition, Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs, and Real Pirates in partnership with National Geographic.  The success of Premier Exhibitions, Inc. lies in its ability to produce, manage, and market exhibitions.  Additional information about Premier Exhibitions, Inc. is available at the Company's web site www.PremierExhibitions.com

Media contact:
Paula Wagner |(213) 744-2144
[email protected]

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SOURCE California Science Center