EES Departmental Seminar: Flaming tap water revisited: The science behind the occurrence of methane in groundwaters overlying unconventional oil, gas, and coal fields
Dr. Owen Sherwood
Earth and Environmental Sciences, Dalhousie University
Title: Flaming tap water revisited: The science behind the occurrence of methane in groundwaters overlying unconventional oil, gas, and coal fields
Abstract: The development and expansion of horizontal drilling combined with hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) in the early part the 21st century revolutionized the onshore oil and gas industry, reversing long term declines in production. However, it has also raised concerns about environmental impacts, especially with respect to groundwater contamination. Recent announcements from the government of Nova Scotia concerning the potential for shale gas development in the province highlight the need for a better understanding of these impacts. This seminar will explore the origins of subsurface methane, the occurrence of natural versus stray gas in groundwater, and some case studies from Nova Scotia and other areas.
Speaker: Owen Sherwood is an Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Director of the Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Laboratory at Dalhousie University. He specializes in stable isotope biogeochemistry, petroleum geochemistry, and paleoceanography.
Time
Location
Milligan Room, B-8007 8th Floor Biology/EES wing of the LSC
Additional Information
Meet the lecturer: FREE COFFEE and COOKIES in B-3078 at 10:45 am before the lecture