Venue: The Workshop took place in Reno, Nevada. Reno is situated just east of the Sierra Nevada on the western edge of the Great Basin in the Basin and Range Province. At an elevation of about 4,400 feet (1,300 m) above sea level and in the rain shadow of the Sierra Nevada, Reno is in a cold desert with an average of 330 days of sunshine per year.

Numerous faults exist throughout the region. Most of these are normal (vertical motion) faults associated with the uplift of the various mountain ranges, including the Sierras. In February to April 2008, an unusual earthquake swarm occurred with some quakes registering between 4 and 4.7 on the Richter magnitude scale. The earthquakes were centered in an unnamed fault zone in the western suburbs of Reno in the area of Mogul and Verdi (see here for more information).

With its location in the spectacular landscape of Western Nevada and its vicinity to the Sierra Nevada, Lake Tahoe, Pyramid Lake and theTruckee River, which connects the two lakes by making its way through the relatively fertile valley of the Truckee Meadows, Reno has to offer much for those who love country side and outdoor activities. Virginia City, Gold Hill and other witnesses of the recent history of Nevada are attractive to those interested in the history of the Western states. The gambling industry has brought a number of excellent restaurants and other pleasant facilities to Reno. Web sites providing more information on Reno and it surroundings include City of Reno, and Visiting Lake Tahoe.

The workshop was hosted by the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). With more than 17,000 students, UNR is a modern university and a key element in Nevada's system of higher education (Read more ...). The campus map including a tour illustrates the broad variety of buildings and facilities available at the campus.

See the current weather in Reno - or the forecast for the next few days ...