Sept. 16, 1997 Museum of Natural History Contact Erika Remmy (541) 346-5083 or John R. Crosiar 346-3135 EUGENE--Visitors to the newest exhibition at the University of Oregon Museum of Natural History will learn how colliding continents, major earthquakes and massive lava flows all have contributed to the geological patchwork that we now call Oregon. The state's geological and fossil history is the focus of "Living on the Edge: The Geological Story of Oregon," a new long-term exhibit opening Oct. 1 at the museum, 1680 E. 15th Ave. "Living on the Edge" focuses on the earth science processes of plate tectonics, rock formation and the variety of scientific methods used to study geology. "Living on the leading edge of one of the Earth's tectonic plates can be quite exciting--geologically speaking," says exhibit designer Cynthia Gabai. Oregon is located on the leading edge of the North American Plate. Tectonic activity involving this plate has changed the landscape from marine to subtropical to the Oregon we know today, she explains. Changes in Oregon's climate have drastically altered the environment over time, contributing to an astonishing array of plant and animals in Oregon's fossil history. "One thing people might be surprised to find out," says Gabai, "is that there were marine reptiles and flying reptiles in Oregon in the Jurassic period, but none of the big land-dwelling dinosaurs you think of when you hear the word `Jurassic' because Oregon was underwater then." The Museum of Natural History is open from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, except university holidays. A $1 admission donation is suggested. For more information, contact the museum office, (541) 346-3024. A recorded message about museum exhibits and activities also is available 24 hours a day by calling GuardLine from a Touch-Tone phone at 484-2000, ext. 3447, or visit Museum of Natural History's Internet website at <http://oregon.uoregon.edu/~mnh/index.html>. -30- #P-2049/A&E