Stephen Rowland

Request as Speaker

Request as Media Expert

Professor Emeritus of Geology

Expertise: Geology of Southern Nevada, History of Geology, Paleoecology, Paleontology, Stratigraphy

Biography

Steve Rowland studies the history of life on Earth as recorded in the fossil record, particularly the paleontology of Southern Nevada and adjacent regions. His research ranges from the earliest (late pre-Cambrian) animal fossils, to Jurassic dinosaur tracks (and those of co-existing animals) in Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park, to Ice-Age fossils of the Tule Springs area. His history of geology research focuses on 18th century Russia as well as the history of the relationship between geology and religion in American history—especially as recorded in the writings of Thomas Jefferson and Mark Twain.

Search For Other Experts On

science & technology

Stephen Rowland In The News

Phys.org

Las Vegas locals began a project in the 1990s to protect a geological marvel at the edge of town. They made educational signs and were joined by politicians including late Sen. Harry Reid and then-Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt, but the area was vandalized soon after.

Earth.com

Our planet Earth has a mesmerizing history that spans across 4.6 billion years. For a majority of this immense timeframe, single-celled life reigned supreme. But, about 500 million years ago, everything changed immensely. A dramatic occurrence took place known as the Cambrian “explosion.”

Neighbors in the East Las Vegas Valley say a proposal to build hundreds of homes on the edge of the desert is in direct conflict with the push to protect the area and stop any future development. For years now, there’s been an effort to bring a national monument to the area.