Environmental challenge as a geologist

Conference · Sat Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:45197

Hanson, B M ^[1]

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1. Hanson Corp., Midland, TX (United States)

Many scientific environmental studies involving geology are now becoming apparent. If we can convince the regulatory agencies to take advantage of our geologic knowledge to assess environmental problems, many unnecessary mandates can be modified. Isn`t it strange that Mt. Erebus in the Antarctic pumps over 1,000 tons of chlorine directly into the vortex of the earth every day and has for over 100 years? Yet man and CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are being blamed for the ozone hole and global warming. Recent ice cores have been recovered in Greenland which date back 250,000 years in time. This scientific study indicated that the climate in the northern hemisphere has always been cyclic. The United States Geological Survey has recently completed a study of the Exxon Valdes oil spill and has found Monterey oil residues are more prevalent than the North Slope oil. The Monterey oil is present as a result of the 1994 Alaska earthquake. Also current activity by fishing boats is polluting much of the Prince William Sound. Geologists have studied the effects of road deicing in the northeast and have reported that there is substantial evidence that the millions of tons of salt placed on the highways are contributing to underground water pollution. Yet the oil industry is being challenged by environmental groups that putting produced salt water back into disposal wells is contaminating and polluting the country. We need a level playing field. How can all this help a petroleum geologist? To be competitive in today`s business, we must take advantage of opportunities to learn about other sub-disciplines of our profession. Many geologists are in a survival mode, and additional education and training are necessary if we are to survive. Technical transfers from hydrocarbon extraction to environmental assessment can be undertaken if there is a desire to change. Reeducation can be achieved by an optimistic, aggressive and disciplined individual.

• OSTI ID: 45197
• Report Number(s): CONF-941065--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CARBON CYCLE
CHLOROFLUOROCARBONS
CLIMATIC CHANGE
EDUCATION
EMPLOYMENT
ENVIRONMENT
GEOLOGY
OIL SPILLS
PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
USES