NORTH CONWAY, N.H. – A workshop offered by the Mount Washington Observatory on Oct. 22 and 23 will focus on the landscape of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

The workshop, guided by Woodrow Thompson of the Maine Geological Survey, will review the geological history of the region, both its bedrock geology and its more recent shaping by glacial forces. The emphasis of the weekend will be on field trips to locales throughout the northern White Mountains where evidence of the geological forces which shaped the White Mountains landscape can be seen and investigated.

Thompson is considered an expert on the geology of northern New England, with special knowledge of the glacial geology of the region. In addition to offering insights about the evolving landforms in the White Mountains and the history of geological study of the region, he also will give due consideration to the technologies and methodologies used by the geological field worker.

According to Peter Crane, who oversees the observatory’s educational programs, “The workshop is intended for those with little or no prior training in geology but who have an interest in knowing more about the origin and development of the landscape of the White Mountains.”

The workshop will feature some classroom time at the observatory’s North Conway Mount Washington Center, but its focus will be on field trips to areas of geological interest in the northern White Mountains. Most of the excursions will be to areas which are easily reached from the roadside, but participants should be equipped and prepared for moderate hikes in possibly inclement weather.

According to Crane, “The workshop will be suitable for those with a recreational interest in the White Mountains who wish to expand their understanding of the earth history of the area. It also will be a good overview of the geology of the region for teachers who wish to include consideration of the area’s geology in their classes.”

Fee for the two-day workshop is $115, and includes instruction, materials, and a year’s membership in the observatory (current observatory members enjoy a reduced rate of $75). As space is limited, advance reservations are recommended.

The Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit organization which since 1932 has operated the year-round weather station atop Mount Washington. For more information about the observatory, or to register for the geology workshop, contact the observatory at Box 2310, North Conway, N.H. 03860, (603) 356-2137 or 1-800-706-0432; or visit the Observatory’s Mount Washington Center on Main Street in North Conway village. Observatory and workshop information, including online workshop registration, is available at www.mountwashington.org