Abstracts

Cory Katzban: Geologic Entrapment of
Carbon Dioxide Gas in Sedimentary
Basins, The “Sink and Seal” Method

The micro and macro scale components of
sedimentary basins allow them to effectively
trap carbon dioxide gas underground in porous
reservoirs. Porosity and confining pressure of
sandstone aquifer sinks allow the containment of
CO2 in pore space volume, thus inducing pore
fluid pressure. Low permeability shale seal units
prevent CO2 from migrating vertically through
basin formations. It is shown that geomechanical
properties exhibited in sedimentary basins can
be found in areas of flat lying topography, or                                                                                                                                                                                                       areas affected by secondary deformation. Carbon
sequestration taking place in the Illinois Basin in
the Midwest provides an example of large scale,
regional carbon sequestration in a flat lying basin
that has enormous lateral and vertical reservoir
units capable of storing large quantities of CO2.
The geology and location of three smaller
sedimentary basins located throughout the Rocky
Mountains provide an example of how local, more
deformed sedimentary basins in areas of variable
topography can also have adequate storage
potential. Rock properties such as depth,
thickness, porosity, and permeability are explicitly
discussed because these characteristics are key
players in sedimentary carbon sequestration
viability. It is concluded that sedimentary basins,
specifically the rock units that comprise them, are
suitable for effectively trapping carbon dioxide gas
underground.

Missy Setz: Geosynthetic Clay Liners in
Municipal Solid Waste Facilities

Geosynthetic clay liners (GCLs) used in municipal
solid waste (MSW) containment facilities as
manufactured hydraulic barriers are subjected to
hydration and permeation by complex leachate
solutions. Used for their low hydraulic
conductivity, GCLs are used to contain leachate
solutions, preventing the contaminants from
escaping into the environment. Based on the
permeant solution a GCLs properties can change
over time resulting in an increase of hydraulic
conductivity, decrease of clay swell, and the
production of larger flow paths when GCLs of
original Na-bentonite undergoes cation exchange
with multivalent cations, specifically calcium
(Ca2+) (Jo et al., 2001).

This study investigated the feasibility of using an
alternative extraction procedure to, in contrast to
the current ASTM D7503, using a matrix solution
of lithium bromide to successfully characterize
ammonium concentrations within the exchange
complex of fine grained soils.

Contact: Carolyn Wilson (cwilson@agiweb.org)

For Immediate Release

U.S. Geoscience Enrollments and Degrees Grow Robustly in 2011-2012

Alexandria, VA – New data collected by the American Geosciences Institute (AGI)
and published in Geoscience Currents 68 reaffirms a decade-long trend of
continued growth in U.S. undergraduate enrollments in the geosciences during the
2011-2012 academic year. The preliminary data shows an increase of approximately
3.3% for undergraduate enrollments, and more than 3,200 geoscience degrees
conferred for the year. Graduate enrollments in the geosciences have remained
relatively steady, reflecting that most programs are operating at-capacity. Of
particular note regarding degrees awarded in 2011-2012 is the strong 44%
increase in Master’s degrees awarded, rising to 1,541. This robust growth is
largely attributed to sharp increases in Master’s degrees awarded in
environmental science programs nationwide and geology programs in the Gulf Coast
and Northeast regions.

A copy of Geoscience Currents 68 can be found online at
http://www.agiweb.org/workforce/currents.html.

Geoscience Currents are quick snapshots of data released by AGI on the status of
the geoscience workforce. The Currents represent data collaborations with other
societies, employers, and professionals. Topics for these reports are inspired
by inquiries from geoscience community leaders. Interested in participating in
AGI’s Geoscience Currents? Visit http://www.agiweb.org/workforce/currents.html
and register to receive free email updates containing the latest Geoscience
Currents.

###

The American Geosciences Institute is a nonprofit federation of geoscientific
and professional associations that represents more than 250,000 geologists,
geophysicists and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides
information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in
the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and
strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in
society’s use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with
the environment.

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The Why Files announces the 2013 UW-Madison Cool Science Image contest.We are soliciting interesting, beautiful and meaningful science and science-related images captured in 2012 from the University community. The winning images, which can be in any medium, could earn a valuable prize, a $100 gift card for Downtown Madison, and be published in “Cool Science Images” at http://whyfiles.org. All qualified entrants will be included in a slide show to be shown in September at the Wisconsin Science Festival on the media wall at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery.

Check out the flier.

and the
11th G.A. Leonards Lecture:
“Organoclays: Novel Barrier Media for Managing Groundwater Flow and Transport at NAPL-Contaminated Sites”
Prof. Craig H. Benson
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Friday, April 19, 2013, Krannert Auditorium, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Registration required for workshop and banquet; lecture at 4:30p.m. free & open to the public.

More info here

UW-Madison is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. We promote excellence through diversity and encourage all qualified individuals to apply. Unless confidentiality is requested in writing, information regarding the applicants must be released upon request. Finalists cannot be guaranteed confidentiality. Please submit application letter, CV, statement of research and teaching interests, and list of at least three references to: geosearch@engr.wisc.edu or contact Prof. Tuncer Edil (tbedil@wisc.edu).