GESGB Aberdeen Evening Lecture – June 2023 (Hybrid)

GESGB members can register free of charge via the membership platform

If you are interested in becoming a member of GESGB please visit: https://www.ges-gb.org.uk/membership/

Speaker: Steve Adams, Balgownie Geoscience

Topic: Are We Fully Utilising an Easily Accessible World Class Geoscience Resource in the Energy Transition? #ScotlandsGeoLab

Date/Timings: Tuesday 13 June 2023 – 18:00-19:00 (doors open at 17:30)

Venue: Inn at the Park, Ferryhill, AB11 7RX (free parking provided)

Catering: Self-funded bar

Online: The presentation will be available to view via live stream on Zoom. Login details will be sent to registered attendees one day prior to the event.

Speaker: Steve Adams, Balgownie Geoscience

Topic: Are We Fully Utilising an Easily Accessible World Class Geoscience Resource in the Energy Transition? #ScotlandsGeoLab

Abstract

As we accelerate through the Energy Transition, geoscientists will play key roles in the fields of CCS and Geothermal Energy as well as supporting efficient and prudent hydrocarbon exploitation.

There will be challenges to address and lots of data to help.  There has been a recent trend to rely more on advances in technology, big data, and machine learning to help us achieve geoscience solutions.

However, are we now underplaying something fundamental that has been a catalyst to formative geoscience thinking over the last four centuries – outcrop geology?  Do we have the balance right?  For subsurface teams to be at their most effective they clearly need to have ‘fit-for-purpose’ technology solutions, but they also need to understand the rocks they are studying.

There are huge psychological benefits from being in the field. Though not a surprise to the geoscience community, experimental psychological research has shown that spending time in nature can be linked to cognitive benefits, improvements in mood, mental health, emotional well-being, and team interaction.  If nature can help us feel better, think better and work better together, then why aren’t we carrying out more team-based fieldwork?

We have a perfect location on our doorstep that could and should be utilised more.  Scotland’s East Coast has been at the centre of cutting-edge Geoscience since the 18th Century.  With over 2,000 km of coastline and a diverse range of Mesozoic, Palaeozoic and Proterozoic outcrops, Scotland’s East Coast provides an extensive and wide range of subsurface analogues.

Through its #ScotlandsGeoLab initiative, Balgownie Geoscience has identified and prioritised over 150 outcrops that can be visited to address a wide range of geoscience challenges. This talk will introduce, and re-introduce, you to this world class resource and will ask … when will you visit again?