Stephen Rowland

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Professor Emeritus of Geology

Expertise: Geology of Southern Nevada, History of Geology, Paleoecology, Paleontology, Stratigraphy

Biography

Steve Rowland studies the history of life on Earth as recorded in the fossil record, particularly the paleontology of Southern Nevada and adjacent regions. His research ranges from the earliest (late pre-Cambrian) animal fossils, to Jurassic dinosaur tracks (and those of co-existing animals) in Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park, to Ice-Age fossils of the Tule Springs area. His history of geology research focuses on 18th century Russia as well as the history of the relationship between geology and religion in American history—especially as recorded in the writings of Thomas Jefferson and Mark Twain.

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Stephen Rowland In The News

While digging for garden soil, a Las Vegas farmer was shocked to find mammoth teeth, but now the rest of his discoveries are expected to cause a controversy as it may change 12,000 years of history. During a Protectors of Tule Springs meeting Tuesday night, Dr. Steve Rowland, a UNLV geoscience professor and paleontologist, helped present newly analyzed findings from a 30-year-old archeological dig field report from the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary.

Frenchman Mountain isn’t the easiest hike in Las Vegas, but the sharp incline and oppressive heat don’t deter UNLV geologist Steve Rowland from revisiting the place he’s dedicated much of his career to studying.

Mountains here. Mountains there. Mountains everywhere. New Las Vegas residents, especially if they’re from east of the Rockies, may not be used to seeing mountains in their front, side and rear windows. But what are the names of those prominent mountains and mountain ranges?

High schoolers could read about the Great Unconformity in a geology textbook, or they could stand on a trail on Frenchman Mountain, notice that the rocks look different and wonder why.