The Water Authority – Cayman (WAC) has concluded another successful Geology Education Week, welcoming back renowned geologist Dr Brian Jones, Professor Emeritus of Geology at the University of Alberta, for a programme of education, professional development and field-based learning across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac.

First organised in 2013, Geology Education Week provides teachers, students, and professionals with opportunities to explore the unique geology of
the Cayman Islands through classroom lessons, lectures, and field experiences. Dr Jones and his colleagues have conducted geological research throughout the Cayman Islands since the early 1980s, contributing significantly to the islands’ scientific knowledge base.

This year’s programme began on 28 September with the Geology of the Cayman Islands Professional Development course for local high school teachers and professionals. The one-day programme combines lectures at the Water Authority with a field trip to sites of geological significance across Grand Cayman, including locations illustrating modern and ancient sediments, coral fossils, the Ironshore, the wave cut notch, Terra Rossa and the Pedro Castle Formation.

The programme continued with a field trip to Cayman Brac, where participants examined geological features including the Cayman and Brac Formations, karst features, and the Ironshore Formation.

Students at six high schools in Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac had the opportunity to once again learn directly from Dr Jones, with Year 11 Geography students at Layman E. Scott Sr High School also participating in a field trip to learn more about the geology of Cayman Brac. The lessons were aligned with the Caribbean and UK high-school curricula while providing local geological context. 

As part of the Water Authority’s 35th anniversary celebrations in Cayman Brac, geology presentations were also delivered at Creek Primary School, Spot Bay Primary School, and West End Primary School. The presentations introduced younger students to rocks and geology through interactive presentations and show-and-tell activities, with students encouraged to bring their own rock samples.

Dr Jones’s connection with Cayman extends over four decades. His research has contributed to more than 100 scientific papers and numerous postgraduate research projects, and his 2022 book, Geology of the Cayman Islands: Evolution of Complex Carbonate Successions on Isolated Oceanic Islands, documents the extensive geological research undertaken in the islands.

Water Authority Director Dr Gelia Frederick-van Genderen said Geology Education Week demonstrates the value of connecting scientific knowledge with the places where students live, learn and work.

“Understanding the geology beneath our feet is important not only for science education, but also for understanding our water resources, our environment, and the physical foundations of our islands. For the Water Authority, this knowledge is fundamental to what we do. We cannot accurately plan, design, and build water infrastructure - including our reverse osmosis plants - without understanding the geology and hydrogeology of the islands. Geology Education Week helps us share that knowledge with the next generation while highlighting the important connection between science, our environment, and the essential water services we provide.”

“Cayman Brac has a remarkable geological story of its own,” said Dr Jones. “Being able to explore that geology with teachers, students and Water Authority colleagues makes this an especially valuable part of this year’s programme.”

The initiative reflects the Water Authority’s continuing commitment to education, scientific knowledge and helping Cayman’s young people understand and appreciate the natural foundations of their islands. The public can explore the Water Authority’s free geology education resources, including school lesson materials and educational videos, on the Water Authority’s website and YouTube channel. Visit WAC’s Geology Education Resources and WAC’s Geology Education YouTube Playlist to learn more about the geology of the Cayman Islands. 

The Water Authority thanks Dr Jones, participating schools, teachers, students, professionals, and Water Authority staff who contributed to another successful Geology Education Week.