PHILADELPHIA – At the Penn Science Café on Tuesday, March 13, Douglas Jerolmack, an assistant professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania, will discuss his research on river patterns and what his findings mean for the future of the Mississippi Delta. 

The free lecture series takes science out of the lab for a night on the town, giving attendees the chance to pitch questions to and exchange ideas with leading Ivy League scientific experts, who drop the jargon to explain their work in lay terms.

Starting at 6 p.m. at Drinker’s West, 39th and Chestnut streets, Jerolmack will give a biography of the Delta, explaining its origins and the recent harm done by the Gulf oil spill and major hurricanes like Katrina as well as the causes and consequences of modern wetland loss and catastrophic flooding.

But it’s not all bad news: Jerolmack will also share possible solutions for the Delta’s long-term sustainability.

The Café will take place on the mezzanine of Drinker’s West. A pub menu and beer, wine and spirits will be available for purchase.

Seating is limited, and reservations are encouraged. Reservations can be made by contacting Gina Bryan at 215-898-8721 or bryangm@upenn.edu.