SCIENTISTVOLUME 29 No. 08 ◆ SEPTEMBER 2019 ◆ WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST
GEOThe Fellowship Magazine of the Geological Society of London @geoscientistmag
A fresh look at geoscience education
TRAINING REVAMPED John Underhill on the role of doctoral training in addressing 21st Century challenges
GEOSCIENTISTS WANTED! FUTURE RESOURCES STATE OF PLAY To steward the transition Building a The worrying decline of UK to clean energy multidisciplinary community geoscience education WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 1 WHERE IS YOUR
The Geological Society FUTURE IN MINING? Career and Industry Days 2019/20
Wednesday 6 November 2019 JOIN DIGBEE AND FIND OUT... Venue: BGS, Keyworth, Nottingham, UK Wednesday 4 December 2019 Venue: Our Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh, UK Wednesday 19 February 2020 World's first expert network for mining professionals Venue: The Geological Society of London, Burlington House, London, UK www.geolsoc.org.uk/Education-and-Careers/ Free access to data from thousands of mining projects Careers-Information/Careers-Days Earn recurring income by writing geological summaries The Geological Society Career & Industry Day is an essential meeting place for geoscience students and the geoscience industry, and is the most recognised geoscience from technical feasibility studies (coming Q4 2019) careers focused forum in the country. The day will include short career and industry presentations covering different areas Free to join of geology and academia, and there will be an exhibition consisting of industry and professional bodies, and higher education institutions promoting MSc and PhD programmes. There will also be a CV and careers workshop running alongside the talks. For more info: Registration thedigbee.com/geologist This event is free to attend but there are limited numbers so pre-booking is recommended. Delegates will be required to pre-register to receive a student manual, free packed lunch and free drink at the drinks reception. Contact Information C o n f e r e n c e O f fi c e , T h e G e o l o g i c a l S o c i e t y, B u r l i n g t o n H o u s e , P i c c a d i l l y, London W1J 0BG T: 0207 4349 944 E: [email protected] | Follow these events on Twitter: #GSLcareers2019 Sign up for free at: thedigbee.com #GSLcareers2020
The Geological Society of London is a registered charity, number 210161
Geological Society Environment Network Inaugural Networking Event 22 November 2019, 14:00 (Registration 13:00) The Geological Society, Burlington House, London The Environment Network of the Geological Society is pleased to announce their inaugural discussion and networking event.
Communication is key to engaging stakeholders about challenges ranging from diminishing resources, the production of hazardous wastes, contaminated land, marine and atmospheric pollution, climate change, and the effects of emerging pollutants. The afternoon will explore the role that scientists need to play as communicators and the role the Environment Network can play in facilitating communication between scientists.
The event will feature a keynote address on "Geoscientists as environmental communicators: arbitrators, advocates or activists?" by Professor Iain Stewart, University of Plymouth and will conclude with a networking reception. Geoscientists with an interest in any area of the SCAN HERE environmental sciences are encouraged to attend. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environment-network-discussion- and-networking-event-tickets-67041469841
Contacts: Prof Bryne Ngwenya: [email protected] Geological Society Conference Office: [email protected]
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 3 GEOSCIENTIST CONTENTS
Geoscientist is the W www.centuryone Fellowship magazine publishing.uk of the Geological Society of London ADVERTISING SALES Alex Killen The Geological Society, T 01727 739 182 Burlington House, Piccadilly, E [email protected] London W1J 0BG T +44 (0)20 7434 9944 ART EDITOR F +44 (0)20 7439 8975 Peter Davies E [email protected] (Not for Editorial - Please PRINTED BY contact the Editor) Century One Publishing Ltd. Publishing House The Geological Society Copyright Publishing House, Unit 7, The Geological Society of Brassmill Enterprise Centre, London is a Registered Charity, Brassmill Lane, Bath number 210161. BA1 3JN ISSN (print) 0961-5628 T 01225 445046 ISSN (online) 2045-1784 F 01225 442836 The Geological Society of London 5 accepts no responsibility for the views Library expressed in any article in this publication. T +44 (0)20 7432 0999 All views expressed, except where explicitly E [email protected] stated otherwise, represent those of the author, and not The Geological Society EDITOR-IN-CHIEF of London. All All rights reserved. No paragraph of this publication may be Professor Andy Fleet reproduced, copied or transmitted save with DEPUTY EDITOR-IN-CHIEF written permission. Users registered with Copyright Clearance Center: the Journal is Mr David Shilston registered with CCC, 27 Congress Street, Salem, MA 01970, USA. Every effort has EDITOR been made to trace copyright holders of Dr Amy Whitchurch 16 24 material in this publication. If any rights E [email protected] have been omitted, the publisher offer their apologies. EDITORIAL BOARD Mrs Natalyn Ala No responsibility is assumed by the Mr Steve Branch Publisher for any injury and/or damage to Dr Robin Cocks persons or property as a matter of products Dr Howard Falcon-Lang liability, negligence or otherwise, or from any use or operation of any methods, ON THE COVER: Prof. Tony Harris products, instructions or ideas contained Mr Edmund Nickless in the material herein. All advertising 10 DOCTORAL TRAINING REVAMPED Dr Alan Roberts material is expected to conform to ethical Prof. Peter Styles and trading standards, and reasonable John Underhill stresses the need Dr Colin Summerhayes care is taken to ensure that advertisers are Dr Jan Zalasiewicz reputable and reliable. However, inclusion for a revised approach to in this publication or as an insert does not Trustees of the constitute a guarantee or endorsement geoscience training Geological Society of the quality or value of such products or services, or of the claims made by of London 2019-2020 its manufacturer. Geoscientist and the Prof Nicholas Rogers (President) Geological Society of London can give no Mr Thomas Backhouse assurance that an advertiser will fulfil its Mr Andrew Bloodworth obligation under all circumstances. Mr John Booth (Vice President) FEATURESFEATURES Dr Michael Daly (President Subscriptions: All correspondence designate) relating to non-member subscriptions should be addresses to the Journals 16 GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION: THE STATE OF PLAY Ms Lesley Dunlop Subscription Department, Geological Dan Boatright and colleagues urge the community Dr Joel Gill Society Publishing House, Unit 7 Brassmill Mr Graham Goffey (Treasurer) Enterprise Centre, Brassmill Lane, Bath, to make geology more visible on the curriculum Dr Kathryn Goodenough BA1 3JN, UK. Tel: 01225 445046. Email: Dr Sarah Gordon (Secretary, [email protected]. Contact us by phone Foreign & External Affairs) or email for current rates. Prof James Griffiths © 2019 The Geological Society REGULARS Prof Chris King of London Mr Andrew Moore Prof Bryne Ngwenya Geoscientist is printed on FSC® mixed 05 WELCOME Declining student numbers, initiatives to reverse Mr Nicholas Reynolds (Vice credit - Mixed source products are a blend the trend & changing times ahead President) of FSC 100%, Recycled and/or Controlled fibre. Certified by the Forest Stewardship Prof Katherine Royse (Secretary, ® Professional Matters) Council . 06 SOCIETY NEWS What your Society is doing at Mrs Sarah Scott home and abroad Ms Gemma Sherwood Miss Jessica Smith (Vice 09 SOAPBOX John Warburton on the need for a new President) generation of geoscientists Dr Helen Smyth Prof Robin Strachan (Secretary, Publications) 21 CALENDAR Activities this month Mr John Talbot (Vice President) Dr Alexander Whittaker 22 B OOKS & ARTS Four new books reviewed by Douglas Palmer, (Secretary, Science) Ted Nield, Simon Kettle & Nina Morgan
Published on behalf of Cover image: The CDT’s Academic Director, the Geological Society Professor John Underhill 24 MEETING REPORT Jen Roberts & Anthea Lacchia report of London by: on efforts to tackle sustainable resourcing Century One Publishing Alban Row, 27–31 Verulam 26 PEOPLE Nina Morgan on the rocky road to gender Road, St Albans, AL3 4DG equality, an update on GeoWeek & more T 01727 893 894 E enquiries@centuryone 29 OBITUARY Derick Leonard Helm 1949-2017 publishing.uk and Peter Marriott Barber 1950-2018
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 3 You Can Change The World With Your Will
THE MICROPALAEONTOLOGICAL SOCIETY AGM BIOSTRATIGRAPHY: A 21ST CENTURY SCIENCE 13–14 NOVEMBER, 2019 | BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY. KEYWORTH, UK To fi nd out more, please contact On day one, join us for a showcase of the applications of data science, machine learning the Development Team and automation to biostratigraphy. Data science is changing our everyday lives and will drive increased efficiency and insight in many aspects of geoscience, including biostratigraphy. Email: [email protected] Topics for discussion will include machine assisted interpretation of microfossil data in terms of biozone/age and palaeoenvironments; data extraction and synthesis; automation of Telephone + 44 (0)20 7434 9944 microfossil identification. Day two will include open sessions of short (c. 15 minute) talks and dedicated poster sessions. These sessions are open to any topic related to micropalaeontology.
CONVENERS: Jim Riding - BGS | Mike Simmons - Halliburton
For more information, to register, or submit an abstract please visit https://www.tmsoc.org/tmsoc2019/ REGISTRATION CLOSES 23RD OCTOBER; ABSTRACT SUBMISSION DEADLINE 13TH SEPTEMBER Registered Charity Number 210161
Latest news from the Publishing House
State-of-the-art analysis of geochemical data Settlements and slides: a large landslide case study from the for mineral exploration Central Cordillera of the Philippines By Gareth James Hearn and Jonathan Roy Hart By E. C. Grunsky and P. de Caritat
Multi-element The Central Cordillera of Luzon in the Philippines is home to some of the most complex geochemical surveys of geology, active plate margin tectonism, heaviest rainfall and steepest terrain in the rocks, soils, stream/lake/ world. It also hosts a thriving agricultural community that has developed its agrarian, fl oodplain sediments municipal and transport infrastructure in a landscape of marginal stability and and regolith are extreme geomorphological sensitivity. The village of Pilando occupies a saddle on a typically carried out at prominent ridge where it is crossed by the Halsema Highway. As a result of landslide continental, regional displacements, both the highway and the village have been subsiding for several and local scales. The decades and many dwellings have had to be abandoned. From topographical survey and chemistry of these visual observation, average rates of settlement vary between c. 0.1 and 0.4 m a−1…. materials is defi ned by View the full abstract and paper in the Lyell Collection now their primary mineral assemblages and their https://qjegh.lyellcollection.org/content/early/2019/06/24/qjegh2019-050 subsequent modifi cation by comminution and weathering. Modern geochemical datasets represent a multi-dimensional geochemical space that can be studied using multivariate statistical methods from which patterns refl ecting geochemical/geological processes are described (process discovery)... Read the full abstract and paper in the Lyell Collection https://geea.lyellcollection.org/content/early/2019/07/11/ geochem2019-031
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GEOSCIENCE STUDENT NUMBERS ARE DWINDLING. THIS SPECIAL ISSUE ON GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION DELVES INTO THE POTENTIAL CAUSES, AS WELL AS INITIATIVES THAT AIM TO TACKLE THIS DEPRESSING TREND ~ FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK: Halt the decline
lobally, geoscience departments are reporting that Teachers’ Association (page 16) and our own Society (page 8) student enrolment in degree courses is declining. are working with teachers in schools and universities to raise The reasons for this drop off are manifold and geology’s profile. Post-graduate training courses are also complex. In the UK, the dearth of exposure to evolving. On page 10, John Underhill discusses the Centre for geoscience, and particularly geology, during early Doctoral Training model—an exemplar of how a training course Geducation, the lack of focus on geology as a standalone can successfully evolve from its oil-and-gas remit to address the subject, a shortage of trained teachers, and the erosion of challenges faced by society in the 21st Century. the subject’s status as a science all contribute to diminishing This training evolution goes well beyond a simple rebrand. uptake (see page 16). The next generation of geoscientists will need an expanded skill Perception is a major issue. Many people don’t fully set that incorporates economics, social science and policy, and comprehend the essential role the geosciences must play in our training provisions must reflect this. Geoscientists will also addressing the grand challenges and several geoscientific need to work closely with experts from these sectors. The professions are not viewed as noble in the way they once were. Researching Social Theories, Resources, and Environment The association of geoscience with the oil-and-gas and International Summer School (page 24) was setup with precisely extractive industries has (not unfairly) led to the subject being this aim—to facilitate connections between disparate labelled as ‘dirty’ (page 9), and few youngsters are interested in disciplines and build a global community to tackle the issues of studying a subject that they perceive as having played a central sustainable resource extraction. role in damaging our planet. The problem is, geoscience also It is heartening to learn that many in our community are has a crucial part to play in fixing these issues and creating a working to halt the subject’s decline. But, geology as a discipline pathway to sustainable development—we desperately need a remains at risk and we must each take every opportunity to new generation of skilled, passionate geoscientists to take up engage the next generation. Complacency may contribute to the this mantle. demise of our science. For example, the successful implementation of carbon capture In other news, change is coming. From mid-October, I will and storage, the effective management of water resources, as head off on maternity leave and Sarah Day will take over as well as the adequate supply of the raw materials needed to Geoscientist Editor. Sarah will be familiar to many, having create renewable energy technologies, the infrastructure that worked at the Society for 11 years as Earth Science underpins efficient, functional cities, and the fertiliser that Communicator and Head of Media Relations & Outreach. Sarah nourishes crops to feed our exploding population, all rely on studied Natural Sciences, as well as the History & Philosophy of experts with an intricate understanding of the subsurface Science & Medicine at Durham University, before completing a and Earth systems. Masters in Science Communication at Imperial College London. Fortunately, several initiatives are underway to boost She is also an award-winning author, so I look forward to teaching, challenge public perceptions and revamp geoscience- spending my sleep-deprived leave reading her beautifully training courses. Organisations such as the Earth Science crafted editorials.
DR AMY WHITCHURCH, EDITOR - [email protected] @geoscientistmag
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SOCIETYNEWS
SOCIETY’S AWARDS 2020 – MAKE YOUR NOMINATIONS NOW!
Fellows of the Society are encouraged to submit nominations form. Our guidance documents have been updated accordingly for the Society’s Awards for 2020. and help to explain how to go about nominating a person you feel is With the aim of broadening the demographics of those put forward, deserving of a Society Award. this year we set ourselves a goal to revamp the awards process. Check out our new awards booklet, which shows all of the changes Undertaking a holistic review of the procedures, focusing on the made and how easy the whole process is by visiting https://www. nominations, application, submission, judging and assessment geolsoc.org.uk/About/Awards-Grants-and-Bursaries/Society-Awards processes and criteria. Full details of how to make nominations can also be found there. We now have one standard nomination form for all of our awards Remember nominations must be received at the Society no later with the exception of the President’s Award, which now has its own than 27 September 2019. THE ENVIRONMENT NETWORK CHANGE THE WORLD
Questions of how to protect and preserve the environment while The Geological Society meeting the needs of a growing population have come to the has been at the heart of forefront in recent years. the geological community The solutions require input from multiple branches of the since it was established geosciences, some of which lack a shared space for discussion. The in 1807. Geological Society’s Environment Network was established in 2011 Providing support to to provide just that forum. In recent years, it has provided an online thousands of geologists and championing geoscience globally, platform for information sharing. This year, it is renewing its focus the Society is integral to the development of the geosciences. on events and conferences designed to bring together researchers If the time is ever right for you to remember a charity in your working in all areas of environmental sciences and policy. Will, please consider supporting the Geological Society. As a The Environment Network’s inaugural discussion and networking registered charity (number 210161), every gift makes a huge event will take place on 22 November, at 14:00 at Burlington difference—even 1%, or a modest sum of money will leave a House (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environment-network- lasting legacy. discussion-and-networking-event-tickets-67041469841). This event September 9-15 is ‘Remember a Charity’ week aims to connect researchers looking at current and emerging (https://www.rememberacharity.org.uk/for-charities/ environmental issues, with a focus on cross-cutting themes remember-charity-week/). If you would like to find out more relevant to the Specialist Groups. Anyone interested in challenges about remembering the Society in your Will, please contact such as diminishing resources, production of hazardous wastes, our Development Team on +44 (0) 207 434 9944 or email contaminated land, marine and atmospheric pollution as well as [email protected] climate change and the effects of emerging pollutants is welcome to participate in the discussion, and in the Environment Network. ONLINE JOURNAL ACCESS If you would like to learn more about the network, please The Library can now provide Fellows with offsite access to see the website https:// Boreas, from vol. 44 (2015) onwards, and Sedimentology, from www.geolsoc. vol.62 (2015), onwards. org.uk/Groups- Boreas publishes papers on biological and non-biological aspects and-Networks/ of the Quaternary environment, in both glaciated and non-glaciated Environment- areas. Subjects include climate, shore displacement, glacial Network/ features, landforms, sediments, organisms and their habitat, and About-the- stratigraphical and chronological relationships. Environment- Sedimentology is the journal of the International Association Network or of Sedimentologists and publishes papers on sedimentology, contact the chair, sedimentary geology and sedimentary geochemistry. Professor Bryne Ask the Library for an OpenAthens login, if you don’t have one and Tendelo Ngwenya at visit the Virtual Library webpages or the Library catalogue to discover [email protected] the Library’s collections of e-journals and e-books.
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What your society is doing at home and abroad
ACCREDITATION ASSESSED
Bruce Yardley and colleagues from the Accreditation Evidently, some employers, like many university applicants, do not Committee ask whether the Geological Society’s Accreditation understand the difference between a taught postgraduate MSc and a Scheme for undergraduate degrees is fit for purpose. four-year undergraduate masters. Many employers favour graduates The Society’s Accreditation Scheme for first degrees has with a BSc followed by a vocational MSc, but where the employer’s been running for around 20 years. It was set up to provide a fast priority is a good all-round training in geology, the undergraduate track for geologists and geophysicists to become Chartered, by four-year degree is preferred. The Society accredits both types demonstrating that their first degree adequately covered the basics. of degree. Should it also be proactive in explaining the options to Most UK Earth science degrees are now accredited. Such courses potential students? must include core geoscience content and departments must show Overall, our survey suggests that existing accreditation that their teaching staff are appropriately qualified. Emphasis is on requirements fall broadly in line with expectations, but the results field training and independent mapping, but other requirements include basic mathematics and core subjects including structural OUR SURVEY SUGGESTS THAT EXISTING geology, mineralogy, petrology, palaeontology, remote sensing and GIS. But, do these requirements really help make graduates more ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS FALL employable? Early in 2018, the Accreditation Committee, together BROADLY IN LINE WITH EXPECTATIONS, BUT THE with the Society’s Education Department, decided to undertake RESULTS PROVIDE IMPORTANT FEEDBACK a survey of employers to determine how satisfied they are with accredited degrees. We received 124 responses, mostly from the engineering and provide important feedback to academic departments and the environmental sectors. However, some responses came from the oil Accreditation Committee. Some employers are happy to take on and gas, exploration and mining sectors, as well as from a range of graduates with a non-accredited degree, provided the graduate had consultants, and these employers seem to expect different skill sets a good all round training and fieldwork experience. Others prefer to compared to engineering and environmental employers. focus on students with accredited degrees aligned with their sector, Gratifyingly, over 73% of responses to the question “Overall, rather than general geology or geophysics degrees. how happy are you with the quality of graduates The Accreditation Committee’s job is to specify the from accredited undergraduate degrees?” were content that is required for graduates to qualify for “happy” or “very happy”, with just 6% “unhappy” fast track to Chartership, not to tell university (the other category was “ambivalent”). departments what to teach. However, we However, respondents from the minerals hope departments will find the survey and hydrocarbon sectors are much more feedback interesting. likely to be unhappy with the training of This is not the end of the process. We accredited graduates. will send the full report to Council, to the For most degree schemes, employers respondents to the survey requesting agree that the main topics specified for further comments and to University accreditation requirements are important. Geoscience UK. The report will inform Mathematics, structural geology and a broader review of accreditation being geological fieldwork generally score 90% + undertaken by the Society. We also aim approval ratings, while GIS/remote sensing to streamline the application process for is also highly rated. There is strong support for both accreditation and re-accreditation of independent mapping projects, but also recognition undergraduate programmes, to make it a less that more could be done to teach students to take onerous task for departments. samples and use instruments in the field. Mineralogy, petrology By Prof Andy Saunders (Accreditation Officer), Prof Andy and palaeontology fared less well. Fewer respondents reported Smith (Chair, Accreditation Committee), Prof Bruce Yardley (Chair, these subjects as important in their work, but for respondents that Accreditation Committee Review Group) and Dr Bill Gaskarth (past see them as important, reported that training is often inadequate. Chair, Accreditation Committee) The survey identified no single topic that should be added to the Details of the current accreditation requirements are available at accreditation requisites, but many respondents asked for stronger https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Education-and-Careers/Universities/ requirements for statistics and communication skills. Degree-Accreditation/Aims-and-Requirements-for-Accreditation We also asked, “Do you see differences between graduates with A link to the full report from the survey is available with the online BSc and MGeol/MEarthSci (not MSc) undergraduate degrees?” version of the article.
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PROMOTING ENGAGEMENT IN GEOSCIENCE EDUCATION
Amy Ball and Rose Want report on the latest activities from the ball rolling for the 2020 regional heats, so we are hopeful that we will Education Department. maintain or beat 2019’s record year for the number of entries. Earth scientists have a critical role to play in tackling some of Another way to get more Earth science into teaching is society’s most pressing issues. As the Society’s Education through the Geoscience Education Academy (https:// Department, it is part of our job to communicate this role www.geolsoc.org.uk/gea), a two-day teacher-training to both teachers and students, and to show them that course for secondary school teachers and teacher by studying the Earth sciences they can make positive trainees. The course aims to boost teachers’ changes in the world. For example, Earth scientists knowledge of Earth science, while providing can help meet the challenges of decarbonisation and innovative teaching ideas and activities that sustainability, in an effort to mitigate climate change; could be delivered in the classroom. This year’s they can explore for and extract critical resource Geoscience Education Academy was held in July minerals and metals to help meet future demand; and and included workshops such as ‘a journey to the they can understand and communicate the effects of centre of the Earth’, ‘tectonic hazards and a nice cup geohazards. However, geology GCSE and A level are not of tea’ and ‘our climate disaster’, as well as an urban taught in every secondary school across the UK, so it is crucial for us geology fieldtrip to help teachers brush up on rock descriptions to encourage the current cohort of geography and science teachers to and a guest lecture on slow-slip earthquakes by Dr Rebecca Bell inspire students via other education initiatives. from Imperial College London. One way of engaging students with geology is via participation If you are a teacher or teacher trainee interested in getting involved in the Society’s National Schools Geology Challenge (https:// with the Schools Geology Challenge or attending future Earth www.geolsoc.org.uk/geochallenge). The challenge asks teams of science CPD courses, please contact the Education Department geology, geography or science students to compete in a regional ([email protected]) to sign up to be one of our Geological heat—held by their relevant Regional Group. Using poster and short Society School Affiliates. Similarly, if you are interested in getting oral presentations, the students present a geological topic to a involved in geoscience education and outreach, you can help us panel of judges. After competing in a quiz round, the teams with the out by becoming a Geology STEM Ambassador, judging one of highest combined score from all three elements proceed to the final our competitions (such as the Schools Geology Challenge or the at Burlington House, London. For 2020, the final has a new format to Early Career Geologist Award) or even by joining our Education test student’s teamworking and problem-solving abilities, as well as Committee (https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/About/Governance/ their geological knowledge. Regional Groups have already started the Committees/External-Relations/Education).
PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES
London Lecture: The Big Antarctic Freeze Regional Lecture: Volcanoes and past Speaker: Caroline Lear, Cardiff University climate—adventures with deep carbon Location: Burlington House, London Speaker: Tamsin Mather, University of Oxford Date: 18 September Location: University of Plymouth Date: Programme 23 September • Afternoon talk: 14.30 Tea & Coffee; 15.00 Lecture begins; Programme 16.00 Event ends. • Evening talk: 18.30 Lecture begins; 19.00 Reception. • Evening talk: 17.30 Tea & Coffee; 18.00 Lecture begins; 19.00 Reception.
Further Information Please visit www.geolsoc.org.uk/gsllondonlectures19. Tickets are now available on Eventbrite.co.uk and will work on a first come first serve basis. The lectures will be available to watch livestreamed at both the 3pm and 6pm lecture. To watch, please check the lecture Further Information webpage for the link. (This talk will be repeated as a Regional Please visit https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/Events/Regional- Lecture on 26 September, at the National Museum Cardiff; https:// Public-Lectures-2019. Tickets are now available on www.geolsoc.org.uk/Events/Regional-Public-Lectures-2019.) Eventbrite.co.uk and will work on a first come first serve basis.
Contact: The Geological Society, Burlington House, Piccadilly, London W1J 0BG T: +44 (0) 20 7434 9944 E: [email protected]
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Petroleum Geoscientists ...wanted! John Warburton asserts that a new generation is needed to steward the transition to a clean energy future
read with great pleasure the article famously remarking “The Stone Age Speaking up for Geoscience didn’t end because we ran out of stones”. SOAPBOX (Geoscientist 28(11), 9, 2018). Mike It is in the context of a measured (rather Simmons recounts how resource than an unrealistic, immediate) transition CALLING! industries have done their brand away from a lifestyle addicted to Iquality little service though poor petroleum where I see the next communications with the societies generation of young petroleum they serve. This, he argues, has professionals finding Soapbox is open to contributions led to a perception that these their voice. from all Fellows. You can always industries are exacerbating There is increasing global write a letter to the Editor, of environmental damage. emphasis on the role of course, but perhaps you feel you Given such negative natural gas, compared with need more space? branding it is unsurprising that oil and coal. Combustion of school and university graduates natural gas bears substantially If you can write it entertainingly in have limited aspiration to pursue lower carbon footprint than oil or 500 words, the Editor would like careers in resources or geological coal. Advances in production to hear from you. Email your piece, sciences. This is a bleak backdrop against technology increased daily shale gas and a self-portrait, to which Mike calls on society and industry production in the USA from about 2 billion [email protected]. to work together to encourage new young cubic feet (‘Bcf’) in 2007 to 50 Bcf in 2015 Copy can only be accepted professionals to take-up careers in with an attendant 10% decrease in annual electronically. No diagrams, tables or other illustrations please. industrial geosciences. CO2 emissions*. Furthermore, petroleum companies are increasingly experimenting Thirst for petroleum with renewable energy sources (such as Pictures should be of print I experienced first-hand how petroleum solar and wind) to curtail their carbon quality – please take photographs companies take extraordinary measures emissions. For example, solar panels can on the largest setting on your to reduce environmental harm while generate electricity for powering oil field camera, with a plain background. winning precious resources. Such pumpjacks or nodding donkeys that measures are often demanded by vocal formerly relied on burning of diesel. Precedence will always be given to shareholders and activists. more topical contributions. Technological advances continue to Young professionals Any one contributor may not enable petroleum exploitation from Society needs a next generation of appear more often than once per increasingly challenging settings, such as petroleum geoscientists to steward the volume (once every 12 months). unconventional reservoirs. Furthermore, transition from our fossil-fuel-addicted new sources of petroleum are under lifestyle to one predominantly reliant on consideration (hydrates, deep-basin renewables. Only with a profound ONLY WITH A centres) as the World’s insatiable thirst understanding of petroleum geology can PROFOUND for a petroleum-based economy and those elements to be replaced entirely by lifestyle continues. renewable energy sources be identified UNDERSTANDING OF and the technological breakthroughs PETROLEUM GEOLOGY Addiction transition implemented in a sensible time frame. CAN SOURCES TO Anathema to our addiction to petroleum Perhaps petroleum geoscience is not so is the desire instantaneously to recover ‘dirty’ after all. BE REPLACED BY from it. * Energy in Depth Oct, 27 2015, EIA RENEWABLE ENERGY BE Sheikh Yamani was Saudi Minister of May 2016, Monthly Energy Review. IDENTIFIED Petroleum from 1962 to 86 and OPEC minister for 25 years. In 1973, he Professor John Warburton is Non-Executive Director of Senex Energy Ltd and of Empire Energy Group predicted that alternative sources of Ltd and a visiting Professor at the School of Earth JOHN WARBURTON energy would eventually compete & Environment, University of Leeds, UK; Email: commercially with petroleum products, [email protected]
8 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 9 REVAMPING DOCTORAL TRAINING FOR A DECARBONISED FUTURE
Fig 1: The CDT’s Academic Director, Professor John Underhill at its official launch in 2014 Image: Yerko Espinoza/shutterstock.com
t a time when prospective educate and undertake research. As the To equip students students are being put off by latest reports have highlighted (GETI, with the skills to tackle the perceived association of 2019: OPITO, 2019), the landscape is geologists with ‘dirty’ changing rapidly. There is a skills gap the grand challenges industries, energy resources that needs addressing and new methods andA environmental damage, it is rather of training that embrace new demands a new ironic yet apposite that geoscientists and technologies and innovation are required. their skill sets are a vital part of the To meet the demand, we need to change approach to education. solution, not just the cause. and evolve our geoscience provision and While a better understanding of the teaching to equip students. This means John Underhill subsurface was central to the not just building essential geological and carbonisation of our environment environmental expertise, but also giving discusses the role that through the exploration, extraction and students a broader bandwidth that doctoral training needs use of fossil fuels, the same skills and includes elements relating to economics, expertise that developed these resources engineering, social science, science to play in addressing can significantly contribute to communication and media relations. decarbonisation solutions. The National Environment Research decarbonisation To address this issue (and the other Council (NERC) Centre for Doctoral grand challenges faced by humanity), Training (CDT) model, of the type and to provide a legacy and new governed and run by Heriot-Watt generation of relevant, skilled University (https://www.nerc-cdt-oil- geoscientists, we must reassess how we and-gas.ac.uk/) is extremely well placed
10 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 11 Fig 2: Significant lithium resources exist in brine deposits associated with giant salt flats found in Argentina, Bolivia and Chile— South America’s ‘lithium triangle’
to adapt and evolve to meet the 2010; Stephenson, 2018). It is imperative energy efficiency. Consequently, more challenge. Awarded in 2013 and that along with our commitment “to keep countries are developing their renewable- launched the year after (Fig. 1), the the lights on” and also achieve ambitious energy resource capabilities and CDT programme is an exemplar of how targets for converting to electric cars, we introducing clean energy solutions, in post-graduate research and training can must also have in place a public mandate keeping with the United Nations’ evolve to move away from a specific and social license to operate. blueprint for a sustainable future for all oil-and-gas remit that it was originally Additionally, as demonstrated by the (UN Sustainability Goals, 2019). ascribed, to address some of the key major power outage that affected large The UK is leading the way, with a issues facing us and the changing world swathes of the UK last month, the number of initiatives taken and papers that we live in today. complex inter-linkage and intensity of published by the UK and Scottish energy sources can strain systems to the Governments (such as the HMG Industrial Reducing the carbon footprint point where they fail, highlighting the key Strategy 2017; HMG Clean Growth As the world’s population grows and challenge to continue to secure and Strategy 2017; BEIS Energy & Climate Plan becomes more prosperous, there is an carefully manage our energy supplies as 2019; Scottish Energy Strategy 2017), as ever-increasing need to provide more we decarbonise. well as by influential organisations like energy to heat and light homes, fuel To meet the need for a sustainable, the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE transport and power economic growth. low-carbon energy future, measures are Energy Inquiry Report, 2019) and the Such development comes with a large being introduced throughout the entire Committee for Climate Change (such as carbon footprint that drives climate energy conversion chain, from the more Net Zero: The UK’s contribution to change, so we must ensure that as efficient utilization of fossil-fuel resources stopping global warming 2019). development progresses, it does so with for power generation and transportation, The outcomes of several recent reduced greenhouse gas emissions (Lovell, to improvements in consumption through workshops, including a major Geological
10 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 11 Fig 3: The CDT has a very strong governance structure, with committees overseeing the management, training and research of the programme. There is also an Industry Advisory Board and Graduate Committee to provide external input and provide direct feedback from the students
Fig 4: The CDT consists of a mix of field tuition and classroom-based practicals
Fig 5: The CDT students attending the field course examining an exhumed continental margin in the Alps
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 13 GEOSCIENTIST FEATURE
those solutions involve converting to a acute. Significantly, unlike much of the hydrogen-based economy from a subsurface, where natural porosity, methane-driven one (like the H21 project permeability or fracture patterns dictate for Leeds), the continued extraction of oil flow, water can pass through a coalpit’s and gas from the UK Continental Shelf trellised network of adits and shafts (UKCS) as a bridge during the low-carbon more easily since they are akin to fluid transition, or an attempt to decarbonise ‘super highways’. the country’s industrial clusters in It’s ironic and perhaps paradoxical Humberside, Teeside, the Midland Valley, therefore to suggest that a solution to the Merseyside, the Thames Valley and South fuel poverty crisis could come from the Wales, carbon storage is needed. most polluting, black and dirty fossil fuel It is therefore crucial that we select the that we, as a nation, have worked so hard right sites for safe long-term storage, since to remove from our energy mix. However, selection of the wrong ones could lead to it could be a case of the old black failure and loss of credibility (Underhill, becoming the new green. The Conversation 2017b). That need demands geoscientific expertise to Sustainable metals and accurately characterise and parameterise mineral resources the geology of the traps and the reservoir- To source the raw materials for electric seal pairs of the depleted fields or saline cars, wind farms, solar panels and other Society conference, also help to promote aquifers, and test which are suitable as technological needs, there has to be a the decarbonisation agenda (such as the potential carbon storage sites. sustainable and secure supply of mined AAPG Energy Transition Forum 2018; Similarly, if nuclear power generation is materials (such as cobalt, lithium and rare The GSL Bryan Lovell Meeting 2019; going to form a significant part of the earth elements), an ambition that looks Stephenson, Geoscientist 2019; Launch of UK’s energy mix, as seems likely (e.g. with extremely challenged. At present, the EAGE’s Decarbonisation Special Interest the build of Hinkley Point), it is essential sources of key minerals are in places like Group in June). that the safe geological storage of its waste the Democratic Republic of Congo and the products is addressed. “Lithium Triangle” that straddles the Crucial role for geoscience borders of Argentina, Chile and Bolivia The geoscience of the subsurface clearly Geothermal energy (Fig. 2). Given the laudable but ambitious has a vital role to play in the Use of geothermal energy for electricity, Government targets that have been set to decarbonisation world, through electricity heating and cooling has great potential, but electrify transport, the question is “can production, industry, transport and irrespective of whether the more traditional, these source areas meet the demand in a heating. We need a combination of deeper, high-heat sources (such as in sustainable way and, if not, are there other state-of-the-art technology, improvements Cornwall and the Cairngorms) or less regions that could be developed without to efficiency and low-carbon fuel orthodox ones (like the re-use of old causing environmental damage?” switching to achieve both ambitious UK coalmines) are promoted, an understanding and international climate change and of the subsurface is required. The Centre for decarbonisation targets. Successful deployment of coal mines as Doctoral Training Some of the specific areas where low-enthalpy heat sources could address The UK has considerable experience in geoscience will play a crucial role are in one of the leading social challenges in the subsurface development and a wealth of subsurface storage, geothermal energy, the UK today, fuel poverty, which leads to knowledge that will be invaluable as we sustainable and safe extraction of metals more than a quarter of households address the decarbonisation challenge. It and mineral resources. An understanding struggling to make ends meet (Underhill, is essential that we train future of subsurface complexity can also provide The Scotsman 2018; Adams et al., generations in the skills required for the essential quantification and an important Geoscientist 2019). The largest emerging geoscience sectors and sense check on remaining or potential concentration of households affected lie in subsurface industries. However, to deliver resources (Underhill, The Conversation densely populated urban areas that grew such a workforce requires support for 2017a; Underhill & Corbett, The up around heavy industry, coal mining geoscience education. In particular, Conversation 2017) that may extend the and manufacturing centres. Many of these continued support for doctoral training life of productive basins. have long since reduced in size, or closed, that focuses on equipping students with leaving a landscape and community advanced technical and scientific skills is Subsurface storage blighted by high unemployment and vital. The benefit and impact of such For some industrial processes, such as deprivation. support is proven by the thematic CDT steel manufacturing, cement production, Despite the demise in the use of coal for model, a hugely successful, collaborative and refining, all of which have a large fires for domestic heat, a major benefit is initiative involving 17 UK Universities, carbon emissions footprint, subsurface that most of the mines are located close to two Natural Environment Research carbon-capture technologies are the only and often directly beneath the large Council (NERC) Research Centres (the viable decarbonising solution. Whether conurbations where the problem is most British Geological Survey (BGS) and
WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 13 GEOSCIENTIST FEATURE
National Oceanography Centre (NOC)) Artificial Intelligence (AI). by the students during the course of their and eight industry partners. That support has now enabled the PhD. The component parts cover a Originally funded through a £3 million extension of the CDT programme for two spectrum of topics with the dual aim of award from NERC that enabled the years beyond its original period. The placing the student’s individual specialist recruitment of 10 four-year PhD students scheme has proved popular, as PhDs in their wider context and in each of its first three years, the exemplified by the gender balance (>40% introducing the students to the full attraction of the CDT model has leveraged women have enrolled) and there is a bandwidth of the research challenges an additional £11.5 million to enable a keen competition for PhD places in the faced in the subject area. further 110 PhD students to join the CDT programme. The first cohort of There is a mix of mandatory and programme. £1.5 million of that has come students have graduated in the past year optional modules, which are under from industry to support its training and gone into jobs in Government, continuous review. Reassessment led to programme, £6 million from university academia, industry and the media. the inclusion of more topics in scholarships and £1 million through the environmental impact and regulation, Department of Business, Energy and Addressing the skills gap as well as a substantial field-based Industrial Strategy (BEIS) National The training agenda is central to the component to address gaps in, the Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) programme’s success and adds value to a pressures upon and the demise of training initiative that has financed additional student’s PhD research focus. It consists of in these areas in undergraduate and studentships in Clean Energy and 20 weeks of bespoke modules undertaken industry development programmes.
Fig 7: NERC’s inaugural workshop on decommissioning was brokered by the CDT, held in Aberdeen and subsequently led to a call for proposals
Fig 8: The UK Energy Minister, Matt Hancock, visited the CDT and is seen Fig 9: Scottish Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing, addressing learning about the challenges of subsurface mapping in the Southern the CDT Conference in 2015 North Sea 14 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 15 GEOSCIENTIST FEATURE
The Geological Society recognised the individual research councils, like NERC, fuel dependence. quality and relevance of the training being able to convene meetings with all The CDT’s training provision already provided by the CDT, as well as the good the key players from Government, embraces innovation in areas like digital governance afforded by its committees industry and academia in one room (Fig. technologies, augmented reality, virtual (Fig. 3) and Industrial Advisory Board, by 7). The CDT has also gained significant reality, immersive 3D vision, machine bestowing the course with Accreditation. political traction, and has hosted visits learning and artificial intelligence (Fig. The fact that those graduating from the from the Secretary of State for Scotland 10), but is open, keen and able to scheme are securing jobs in industry, and the respective UK and Scottish Energy develop doctoral skill sets in these areas. academia, policy and communications Ministers (Figs 8, 9) amongst others. To achieve all of this demands a attests to the fact that the training they collective effort and partnership received enhances their employability. Collective effort between research and training The benefit of the CDT approach means It is evident that the commitment to providers. It is essential to break down that students feel a part of a bigger decarbonise requires the provision of academic silos and accept that no one connected community and a UK-wide skilled practitioners, who have the place has all the solutions. As the CDT initiative, as well as their host university’s pre-requisite technical expertise across model demonstrates, when collaboration graduate school. The combination of the whole spectrum of energy systems. is effective, the whole is greater than the lab- and field-based residential classes We will need a wide variety of sum of the parts. The scale of the (Figs 4, 5) generates a strong “esprit de geoscientific skills to evaluate safe carbon geo-energy and decarbonisation corps”. This network will undoubtedly storage, supervise decommissioning and challenge dictates that we adopt such serve the students well throughout their to examine the impact and potential of an approach. The CDT stands ready to subsequent careers. We have also seen renewable sources, be they geothermal, build upon its strong foundation to more cross-university, collaborative, wind, wave, hydro, solar, nuclear or in address the need to decarbonise. co-supervised projects that tackle key other novel forms, such as cold energy or issues that spring up. heat storage. Professor John Underhill holds the Chair of All students present posters and talks at We will continue to need people Exploration Geoscience at Heriot-Watt University, sits on the Scottish Government’s an annual conference. The meeting is now who can undertake the environmental Science Advisory Council (SSAC) and is part of an important date in the geoscience monitoring of oil and gas extraction the Natural Environment Research Council calendar, with nearly 200 attendees last (both conventional and unconventional, (NERC)’s UK Geoenergy Observatories Science year (Fig. 6, online). An additional benefit such as shale gas), including human- Advisory Group (GSAG) that is overseeing the of having such ‘critical mass’ is that the induced seismicity, as well as those delivery of the UK Geoenergy Observatories CDT effectively becomes a one-stop-shop who are best placed to extend the life (UKGEOS) project. John is the Academic in the chosen theme. That value has seen of UK basins like the North Sea as we Director of the Centre for Doctoral Training UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) and seek to move away from our fossil (CDT); e-mail: [email protected]
Fig 10: Subsurface geology of the Inner Moray Firth in the North Sea and the disposition of the Captain Sandstone, a saline aquifer proposed for Carbon Storage.
Use of new visualization and digitalization technologies will be vital in characterizing the subsurface. (Image: Taken in Heriot-Watt’s Ogilvie-Gordon 3D Audio- ▼ Visualization Centre, used with permission of Stavros Vrachliotis). 14 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 15 EARTH SCIENCE EDUCATION: THE CURRENT STATE OF PLAY
16 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 17 Geoscience is critical for meeting the sustainable development goals, yet student numbers are dwindling. Dan Boatright, Sian Davies-Vollum and Chris King urge the geoscience community to make geology more visible on the curriculum
he importance of what we A brief history learn at school must not be Times have changed since the heyday of overlooked. In the UK, students geology teaching in schools and colleges. face decisions about their future In the 1980s, there were almost 4,000 from the age of 14: What GCSEs entries for A-level geology, more than 8,000 Tshould they study? What career paths entries for GCSE geology and several exam should they follow? Where should they boards offered the subject (data from the undertake further study? If an individual Earth Science Teachers’ Association, ESTA; is not exposed to the breadth of study and https://earthscience.org.uk/). Geology career alternatives at a young age, how teachers were trained at six institutions can they make informed decisions about around the country. However, with the their future? introduction of the National Curriculum in This is the situation geology, as a the late 1980s, a steady decline in both the discipline, faces. While as children we GCSE and the A level followed. may have had a rock collection, or been A-level geology experienced a brief obsessed with dinosaurs, early exposure renaissance in the mid-2000s. Anecdotal to geology is generally limited. If we evidence suggests that this was due to want to inspire the next generation of the introduction of the four Advanced geologists, we must ensure that Earth Subsidiary (AS)-level system, with science is visible in the curriculum. numerous students choosing AS-level Currently, this is not the case. Geology geology as their fourth subject. Many then is randomly integrated into different continued studying geology at A-level subjects; it is occasionally found in a (Fig. 1). However, this trend has since geography class, and sometimes in been reversed, as A-level funding has chemistry or physics. Consequently, been reduced and we return to the three geology is often an afterthought in the A-level system. classroom, with many teachers feeling Similarly, the introduction of a new, uncomfortable with teaching the content, modernised and more relevant geology and others frustrated by the lack of syllabus in the mid-2000s saw GCSE entries substantial Earth science. As a result, rise. However, this increase came to a we find that the numbers of students shuddering halt in 2015, when Government studying General Certificate of Secondary introduced the Progress 8 initiative. Within Education (GCSE) and Advanced (A)- Progress 8, geology is not counted as a level geology are in serious decline, and science and so plays a minor role in the the numbers in universities are now school league tables. There is now little following the same trend. ambition within schools to offer minority
16 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 17 postgraduate degrees are clearly and Advanced level geology entries by gender increasingly allied to industry and UK 1971-2018 employment. Most Masters degrees have 4500 an applied focus and many geoscience 4000 degrees can be studied as a four-year 3500 option, with a year in industry. 3000 Despite these positive aspects, 2500 recruitment to geoscience degrees at UK 2000 universities is on a downward trajectory. 1500 Nationally, applications to geology 1000 programmes are down 9% (2018-2019) Number of entries 500 following a drop of 11% in 2017-2018 (for 0 comparison marine and environmental sciences were up 10% this year). There were only 1,100 enrolments onto geology Male Female Total programmes in 2018-19, compared with 1,800 in 2014-2015. With the decreasing Fig 1: UK A-level geology entries, 1971-2018 number of geology A-level entrants, and the challenge we have in attracting A-level subjects. This perfect storm has brought geography who had geology degrees. This students who have not previously studied us towards a cliff edge, with students less training is offered at an intensive seven-day geology, the trend looks set to continue likely to be offered geology GCSE and Summer School Masters (M)-level course (https://www.ucas.com/data-and-analysis). unable to take a fourth subject as they at Keele University (www.keele.ac.uk/tlge- The very nature of the subject itself is undertake AS levels, fewer students are module). The course is provided free-of- threatened as the UK’s Teaching Excellence therefore taking geology A-level. From a charge to participants, thanks to industrial Framework (TEF) struggles to establish high of 4,000 in the early 1980s, A-level bursaries, and eight geology teachers have where geology best fits. Originally entry to geology courses had fallen to been trained per year for the past four placed in the physical sciences, alongside 1,525 in 2018 (Fig. 1) with only two exam years. By maintaining the supply of geology forensic and materials science, geology boards offering it. teachers, we hope to continue offering has now been placed with geography and The role of the A level should not geology in schools and colleges across the environmental science, a group less likely be overlooked. Information from the UK, but further funding is needed to ensure to receive Science, Technology, Engineering Universities and Colleges Admissions we can continue in future years. and Mathematics (STEM) recognition. The Service (UCAS) shows that, in general, possibility of the Augar review (the UK more than 40% of the applicants for The Higher Government’s current review of post- undergraduate geology degrees had Education perspective 18 education) advocating reductions to A-level geology (UCAS provided data The Geological Society currently student university fees with a government- for 2010, when 44% of applicants had recognises 37 English, five Scottish and funded ‘top up’ for STEM subjects, places A-level geology, and for 2012, when the four Welsh Higher Education institutions geology in a very precarious position if it is figure was 43%. Since then, no data have that offer undergraduate and/or been available from UCAS). Meanwhile postgraduate degrees in the broad subject GEOSCIENCE HAS A research carried out by ESTA between area of geoscience. These include degrees CRITICAL CONTRIBUTION 2009 and 2014 shows that 44% of students as diverse as a Bachelor of Science (Hons) TO MAKE TO THE ENERGY who gained A-level geology and went in Environmental Earth Sciences, a Master on to university, studied for a geoscience of Science in Remote Sensing and Planetary TRANSITION FROM FOSSIL TO degree (data from 39 centres). These Science and a Bachelor of Engineering RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES, figures demonstrate that A-level geology (Hons) in Engineering Geology and AND IT HAS A KEY ROLE IN is a critical recruiter for undergraduate Geotechnics. The diversity of degrees ADDRESSING THE CHALLENGES geology degrees. designated as ‘geoscience’ highlights the Anecdotal evidence from teachers interdisciplinary nature of the subject and OF SUSTAINABILITY. GEOLOGY working in Scotland, where Higher the ability of geology to make connections CONTRIBUTES TO THE UK Geology used to be taught, suggests that it and contributions across the social and GOVERNMENT INDUSTRIAL was not the interest of the school students natural sciences. STRATEGY, THE 25 YEAR that declined, but the availability of geology Field work is arguably the key element teachers (the last to be trained in Scotland that distinguishes geology graduates ENVIRONMENT PLAN AND THE was in 1966). So, when the two remaining from their peers, providing them with CLEAN GROWTH STRATEGY. institutions training geology teachers in unparalleled experiences in resilience, THIS IS A CRITICAL TIME FOR England closed, ESTA took steps to offer adaptability and project management— GEOLOGY training in geology teaching to practicing all highly valued skills in any employment or newly-qualified teachers of science or sector. Geoscience undergraduate and
18 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 19 categorised as non-STEM. Fig 2: Centres teaching Geoscience has a critical contribution examination-level geology in 2018. Eduqas to make to the energy transition from (part of the Welsh Joint fossil to renewable energy sources, Education Committee; and it has a key role in addressing the WJEC) GCSE geology, red stars; Eduqas A-level challenges of sustainability. Geology geology, red squares; contributes to the UK Government Oxford, Cambridge and Industrial Strategy, the 25 Year Royal Society of Arts (OCR) specification Environment Plan and the Clean geology, blue squares. Growth Strategy. This is a critical time Published by Earth for geology. In schools and colleges Science Teachers’ Association (ESTA) at: it could dwindle as a standalone https://www.google.com/ subject, and in higher education maps/d/viewer?mid=1 the STEM-status could be lost and f8RhiMZxK2aszAbITUS eEa44ZM6KH7ZD&ll=54 student numbers could continue on .09218845015151%2C- their downward trajectory. We urge 2.787370650000014&z=6 geologists in industry, government and (Map data ©2019 GeoBasis-DE/BKG education to work together to raise the (©2009), Google, Inst. profile of the subject and to alter the Geogr. Nacional) public perception of what geoscientists do and of the significant contribution they make to society. The future The Earth Science Teachers’ Association (ESTA) has worked to promote the teaching of geology and Earth sciences for over fifty years. As a charity, it has relied heavily on the free time of willing volunteers to guide the organisation and ensure teachers have the support to teach the subject effectively. Running a conference every year, the charity has built a strong relationship with universities and learned organisations. ESTA the UK, but very often class sizes are strengthen, with all levels of education is now attempting to incorporate small, putting the subject at risk as working together. From primary to within its activities the teacher schools and colleges consider cuts. higher education, we have a strong and training and training workshops of With declining numbers of teachers committed community, but we need the now disbanded Earth Science and an ever-declining pool of talent to work with industry and learned Education Unit, led by Prof. Chris from which to find new teachers, societies like the Geological Society, to King at Keele University. At the funding has had to become a focus. ensure geology remains in schools for same time, Universities Geoscience ESTA has started to develop closer years to come. UK (https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/ links with corporate affiliates, patrons UniversityGeoscienceUK), the and learned associations, and looks association of geoscience departments forward to hearing from those who Dr Dan Boatright, Geography and Geology and schools based within UK are interested in preserving geology in Teacher, District Councillor and Chair of universities, is working with ESTA schools and colleges. the Earth Science Teachers Association; and other geological organisations Educating the next generation of e-mail: [email protected] and associations to raise the profile of geology teachers, and promoting Dr K. Sian Davies-Vollum Head of School geology, highlight geological careers geology to school and college leaders, of Environmental Sciences University of and contemporise the often-outmoded requires a new approach to funding. Derby; Executive Secretary UGUK; e-mail: public perceptions of what it means to At ESTA, we have developed a [email protected] be a geologist. range of membership categories to Professor Chris King, Emeritus Professor The reduction in schools and help different groups contribute to of Earth Science, Keele University; e-mail: colleges offering geology threatens our Earth science education. While we, [email protected] subject. The map in figure 2 shows a as a community, have experienced a broad distribution of centres currently difficult few years, geology education Want to know more? Visit our website: teaching GCSE or A-level geology in has the potential to grow and https://earthscience.org.uk/
18 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 19 Online Bookshop Bestsellers
William Smith Fossils Reunited By Peter Wigley (Editor) with Jill Darrell, Diana Clements and Hugh Torrens With a Foreword by Sir David Attenborough, William Smith’s Fossils Reunited is intended both for the William Smith enthusiast and also for those with a more general interest in the work of this remarkable pioneering geologist. The fossil illustrations and maps in BEST SELLER this exquisite volume are aesthetically pleasing in their own right and demonstrate the extraordinary skill of early nineteenth-century engravers and map makers. View more www.geolsoc.org.uk/WSFR
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ENDORSED TRAINING/CPD AND EVENTS
William Smith Fossils Reunited MEETING DATE VENUE AND DETAILS
By Peter Wigley (Editor) with Jill Darrell, Diana Clements and Hugh Torrens Conference Venue: Windhoek, Namibia The Geological Society of Namibia - 1-4 Sep W: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/GeolsocNamibia-50-Anniversary- 50th Anniversary Conference With a Foreword by Sir David Attenborough, William Smith’s Fossils Reunited is intended Conference both for the William Smith enthusiast and also for those with a more general interest Workshop Venue: Burlington House, London in the work of this remarkable pioneering geologist. The fossil illustrations and maps in Debris Covered Glaciers 2-4 Sep BEST W: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/GSL-Debris-Covered-Glaciers SELLER this exquisite volume are aesthetically pleasing in their own right and demonstrate the extraordinary skill of early nineteenth-century engravers and map makers. Conference Venue: 8 Northumberland Avenue, London, UK Future of Mining EMEA 2019 4-5 Sep View more www.geolsoc.org.uk/WSFR W: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/EMEA-Future-of-Mining19
Atlas of Submarine Glacial Landforms: Modern, Quaternary Evening meeting, lecture Venue: The Birmingham & Midland Institute WMRG Chartership Evening 10 Sep and Ancient W: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/WMRG-Chartership-Evening-2019 Edited by J.A. Dowdeswell, M. Canals, M. Jakobsson, B.J. Todd, E.K. Dowdeswell Lecture Venue: The Adelphi Hotel, Leeds Yorkshire: Sub-surface surveys 11 Sep & K. Hogan W: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/YRGGS-Subsurface-surveys New geophysical techniques (multibeam echo sounding and 3D seismics) have revolutionized Field trip Venue: Isle of Portland, Dorset high-resolution imaging of the modern seafloor and palaeo-shelf surfaces in Arctic and WMRG Dorset Field Trip 14-16 Sep Antarctic waters, generating vast quantities of data and novel insights into sedimentary W: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/WMRG-Dorset-Field-Trip-2019 BEST architecture and past environmental conditions. Conference Venue: University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston Park Hotel SELLER Making the most of recent advances in 19 Sep & Conference Centre W: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/GWMF-HG-- View more www.geolsoc.org.uk/M0046 groundwater modelling & Darcy Lecture Making-the-most-of-recent-advances-in-groundwater-modelling
From Source to Seep: Geochemical Applications in The Shackleton Conference: Conference Venue: Burlington House, London 23 Sep Hydrocarbon Systems Marine Geoscience and Carbon W: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/MSG-Shackleton-2019 Edited by M. Lawson, M.J. Formolo and J.M. Eiler Hydrocarbon systems, by nature, are a complex interplay of elements that must be spatially and temporally aligned to result in the generation and preservation of subsurface hydrocarbon accumulations. To meet the increasing challenges of discovering hydrocarbon resources, it is essential that we advance our understanding of these systems through new geochemical approaches and analytical developments. Such development requires BEST SELLER that academic- and industry-led research efforts converge in ways that are unique to the geosciences. View more www.geolsoc.org.uk/SP468
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The Spirit of Inquiry: Herschel, Babbage, Whewell and Farish. written to sell. It is more like a long PhD They were frustrated by the prevailing thesis, aimed at historians, and libraries. How One Extraordinary academic culture, which excluded Although strong on the Club’s group Society Shaped science from its outmoded syllabus and dynamic and the influence of their ‘Y-vs’, system of examination. one learns little about the X men as men Modern Science As part of its bicentenary celebration, that one didn’t already know. Huxley, the Cambridge Philosophical Society Tyndall, and Hooker remain prominent; 2019 is the bicentenary commissioned historian of science shadowy members, like Busk, emerge of a quintessentially Susannah Gibson to tell the story of the from the thick London fog—into a slightly British story of how a Society’s foundation, its rise, decline and less thick mist. few like-minded souls resurrection. She has managed the Although the book provides portraits of managed, against the difficult task of bringing together the all members, they are scattered. Knowing odds, to set up an many different strands, which were part what people looked like might seem organisation that of the wider story of the development of irrelevant to ideas and deeds, but it fostered a wider movement, which in science, and made it very readable. matters to the reader, if only to keep the turn overcame institutional apathy and lesser characters apart in the mind. some downright hostility to change. The Reviewed by: Douglas Palmer Everything reads like an academic paper. like-minded souls were three The book itself has prologue and epilogue. geologists—Adam Sedgwick, John THE SPIRIT OF INQUIRY: HOW ONE Each chapter has abstract Stevens Henslow and Edward Daniel EXTRAORDINARY SOCIETY SHAPED MODERN and conclusion and envoi to the next. SCIENCE Clarke. The organisation was the by Susannah Gibson 2019. Published by Oxford While well copy-edited, editing went Cambridge Philosophical Society. Their University Press, 2019. 377 pp. ISBN 9780198833376 no further. (hbk) List Price: £25.00 W: www.oup.co.uk parent institution was the very one the The donnish habit of purging human trio wanted to reform—the ancient interest from material is especially University of Cambridge, whose teaching handicapping to a work of group programmes and examination processes biography. We hear that X-Club satellite had become intellectually moribund. The X Club: Power & Dr Carpenter (registrar of London Susannah Gibson’s The Spirit of Authority in Victorian University) suffered a ‘sudden death’. In Inquiry tells the fascinating story of how fact, he managed to immolate himself in the foundation of this provincial society Science a bath—when camphor fumes (he was helped shape the emergence of modern suffering from a cold) were ignited by the science in Cambridge and beyond. It It is amusing to ponder heater underneath. Barton mentions that might sound a tall claim but 200 years whether the X Club, Tyndall took various Victorian uppers ago, in the small market town of a dining society of and downers, but not that he died at Cambridge, this geological trio managed nine influential men the hands of his wife, who got mixed to establish a new university-based elite of science, would up and administered chloral in a dose and selective forum for the have commanded so appropriate for milk of magnesia. Tyndall communication of new scientific much interest and tossed it off, remarked on its sweet taste, discoveries. Despite its 18th century contemporary suspicion if they had gone and, as he watched her realise her terrible sounding name, the Cambridge with Thomas Huxley’s suggested name of error, said: “Yes, my poor darling, you Philosophical Society was a much more the ‘Blastodermic Club’. have killed your John.” Strange that, given modern foundation. Its founders took as However, George Busk, Joseph Hooker, Barton’s enthusiasm for documenting the their model one of the most successful Herbert Spencer, John Tyndall, Thomas influences of females on the men of the X, scientific societies of the early 19th Huxley, William Spottiswoode, Edward this extreme example should have been century—the Geological Society Frankland, Thomas Archer and John missed out. of London. Lubbock were ‘blastodermic’ in that But, don’t let this put you off—you The Spirit of Inquiry recounts how, they were the germ of change, seeking to can supply your own colour where it is with the changing spirit and culture of introduce scientific habits of mind into wanting in this valuable and long-awaited the early 19th century, an idea that Victorian society, riddled with theologians group portrait. happened to chime with the times was and blind respect, and to claim for science quickly transformed into a successful its proper cultural authority. Reviewed by: Ted Nield reality. In the early 1800s, there was Barton shows us a group that came (The full original version of this review appears growing criticism of the ‘antediluvian’ together somewhat randomly, and online. Editor.) and inward looking scholasticism of cooperated in different combinations on British university education, compared different subjects, according to personal THE X CLUB: POWER & AUTHORITY IN VICTORIAN SCIENCE with Europe. interests. She is also keen to consider the by Ruth Barton 2018, Published by: Chicago University Within a year, that idea had become a X men’s ‘better halves’. Her analysis is Press 604pp. ISBN: 978-0-226-55161 (hbk) 978-0- 226-55175-3 (ebook). functioning and growing society that detailed, convincing and long awaited. List Price: £33.99 W: https://press.uchicago.edu attracted eminent scientists, such as Beware, though—this is not a book
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Reservoir Quality of successive diagenetic events, resulting in the additional information on the origin of the spatial distribution of good reservoir quality mineral and its colour. The original book Clastic and Carbonate being correlated to palaeotopographical and included a mixture of black-and-white and Rocks: Analysis, structural highs. colour illustrations. This new, all-colour Another paper looks at the impact of edition includes more than 100 additional Modelling and Prediction a diverse depositional environment and high-quality colour photographs, with depositional cyclicity on reservoir quality the result that the mineralogy, as well This volume follows of the mid-Cretaceous Mishrif Formation. as the decorative properties of Blue John a Geological Society Using porosity logs, a change in reservoir are beautifully and clearly displayed. For conference of the same quality could be systematically interpreted mineral fans and those who love decorative name. Both showcase within regressive cycles, which contained stone, this book is a must-have for the the latest understanding deep-marine to shallower-shelf margin pictures alone. and controversies facies that include rudist shoals. But, even more valuable, to my mind, through discussion and The volume also presents papers on is that with its concise text, clear colour case-study in clastic and carbonate reservoir modern analogues, outcrop analogues, geological sketch maps and block diagrams, quality. The opening sentence of the first modelling and advanced analytical this book also serves as an excellent pocket paper summarizes the importance of this approaches. I recommend this volume as a guide to the geology, geological history and volume for petroleum exploration, stating source for understanding reservoir quality mineral mines of this classic and popular how reservoir quality is the fundamental because of the great topical reviews and tourist area. control on the economic viability of a plentiful accompanying case-studies. Published by the East Midlands petroleum accumulation. Geological Society, the book is currently The volume discusses how reservoir Reviewed by: Simon Kettle available at gift shops in the Blue John quality is studied by almost separate caverns, outlets in Castleton and the specialist communities, one for clastic RESERVOIR QUALITY OF CLASTIC AND surrounding area, as well as online. With CARBONATE ROCKS: ANALYSIS, MODELLING rocks and one for carbonate rocks. Yet, AND PREDICTION such high-quality production available at these communities use similar techniques by P.J. Armitage, A.R. Butcher, J.M. Churchill, A.E. a bargain price, it’s a real impulse buy that Csoma, C. Hollis, R.H. Lander, J.E. Omma & R.H. Worden and both benefit from the study of modern (eds) 2018, 435 pp. ISBN: 9781786201393 (hbk.) will open the eyes of many visitors to the analogues. Although the modelling List price: £100.00 Fellow’s price: £50.00 fascinating geology and mineralogy of this W: https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/SP435 approaches are quite different for these two classic area. families of rock type. The opening paper summarizes the Reviewed by Nina Morgan significant difference in controls on reservoir quality per sediment type and very clearly Derbyshire Blue John DERBYSHIRE BLUE JOHN, by Trevor Ford (Tony Waltham & Noel Worley, eds), states how reservoir quality is controlled Published by East Midlands Geological Society, 80 pp. by interdependent sedimentary and The late Trevor Ford, had List Price: £6.50 W: https://www.moorebooks.co.uk diagenetic factors that can be bracketed into a well-earned reputation depositional characteristics, eodiagenesis, as the geological guru mesodiagenesis and telodiagenesis. It is of the Peak District in worth reiterating how these factors include Derbyshire. Among many BOOKS FOR REVIEW the primary make-up of sediments and other things, he was the sedimentation (including depositional acknowledged expert Please contact [email protected] if you environment and hinterland conditions), as on the fluorospar variety known as Blue would like to supply a review. You will be invited to keep the review copy. See a full up-to-date list at well as diagenetic processes. John (see Distant Thunder, August 2017)—a www.geolsoc.org.uk/reviews Numerous controversies remain in mineral prized for its decorative qualities the study of diagenetic processes that and found only in veins in the caverns and ◆ NEW! The Rocking Book of Rocks, by Amy Ball & impact reservoir quality. These debates are mines of Treak Cliff near the Peak District Florence Bullough, Quarto Publishing 201995 pp. hbk. reviewed, including the difference between town of Castleton in Derbyshire. Ford’s ◆ NEW! Tales From the Himalaya, by Henry chemical compaction and pressure solution book, Derbyshire Blue John, billed as the Edmundson, Vajra Books 2019, 423 pp. pbk. features, geochemical flux of material to or only comprehensive account of Blue John ◆ NEW! Groundwater in Fractured Bedrock from reservoir formations, the impact of stone ever written, has long been out of Environments: Managing Catchment and hydrocarbon emplacement on the diagenesis print. Now thanks to the efforts of Tony Subsurface Resources, by U. Ofterdinger et al. (eds), of a formation and the long-lived research Waltham and Noel Worley, this classic guide Geological Society of London SP 479 2019, 250 pp. hbk. on diagenesis of burial dolomitization. has been resurrected and given new life. ◆ NEW! Mining in Zimbabwe: From the 6th to the by Martin Prendergast & John This collection of papers contains case- This new edition covers the same ground 21st Centuries, Hollaway (eds), The Chamber of Mines of Zimbabwe study based examples of sandstone and as Ford’s original, but it is much more 2019, 645 pp. hbk. carbonate reservoir quality prediction, modern, clearer, brighter and slightly ◆ NEW! Metamorphic Geology: Microscale to including a fascinating paper on how areas larger format. The text, based on Ford’s Mountain Belts, by S. Ferrero et al. (eds), Geological of good reservoir quality in The Raytown original, has been edited, corrected, Society of London SP 478 2019, 482 pp. hbk. Limestone of Kansas were created by brought up-to-date and augmented with
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We must resource present and Course vision practitioners, and stakeholders, many of future generations sustainably. Hosted by the Irish Centre for Research whom acted as expert mentors during But how? Jen Roberts and Anthea in Applied Geosciences (iCRAG), the the week. The topics are considered Lacchia report on an international summer school took place at University to be critical to the global challenge summer school that is building College Dublin, Ireland, in July 2019. of sustainable resourcing of future a global community to bridge Director of iCRAG, Murray Hitzman, generations. Crucially, there are no simple disciplines and sectors, and tackle said: “Moving forward for sustainable solutions to these problems, and all sustainable resource extraction development is very complicated. require an interdisciplinary and multi- There are challenges in terms of Earth perspective approach. mmense and rapid societal and resources and energy, and also in terms In line with the summer school technical changes are necessary of how people perceive these challenges ethos, the team of mentors and I to achieve a low-carbon future. and sustainable development more other contributors was also diverse. Globally, most nations have committed generally. These are critical issues and Representing ten different nationalities to meeting the goals outlined in the this summer school is trying to help to (including three from developing United Nations Paris Agreement, tackle these, not just in one society, but in countries), the team’s expertise covered but the changes in technologies multiple societies”. multiple disciplines and career stages anticipated to achieve these goals, and Attendance at the summer school was from across industry, government and the minerals and metals that are used competitive, and financial support was academia, including Cardiff University in their manufacture, place new and available for half of the participants due (UK), Plymouth University (UK), unprecedented pressure on Earth’s to sponsorship from the International Newcastle University London (UK), resources. This is on top of changing Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), Nottingham University Business School needs due to global population growth, the United Nations Educational, Scientific (UK), University of Strathclyde (UK), rising standards of living, and potentially and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), University of Groningen (Netherlands), large shifts in the distribution of and industry sponsors. A quarter of the Shinglespit Consultants Inc. (Canada), populations owing to the climate crisis. participants were from the extractive Cornell University (US) and PetraScience Determining how we will resource industries (such as mining, petroleum, Consultants (Canada), as well as IUGS, present and future generations in a and related services) and the remainder UNESCO, iCRAG, Geoscience Ireland sustainable way is a complex and from academia. They brought together and Geological Survey Ireland. global endeavour of rising importance. expertise in geology, economics, Dr Ozlem Adiyaman Lopes from The inaugural Researching Social ecology, business, law, engineering, and UNESCO’s Division of Ecological and Theories, Resources, and Environment communications. Women constituted Earth Sciences said “this course is (ReSToRE) International Summer over a third of participants, and all asking the right questions at the right School (https://www.icrag-centre. attendees were within ten years of time and the mix of social scientists org/restore/) brought together a group completing their studies. and geoscientists and environmental of 42 geologists and social scientists, The programme aimed to harness scientists together is a triangle we really all at an early-career stage, from 28 the diverse experience and skills of need.” Professor Wouter Poortinga, nationalities (of which 19 are developing the participants, and created a space an environmental psychologist at countries) to tackle the question of how for interdisciplinary and visionary Cardiff University, agreed that the society should meet the challenge of collaboration and knowledge sharing. summer school “puts a spotlight on the providing water, energy and mineral Working in teams, attendees were social relevance of these big societal resources in a sustainable way. challenged to define the problem, Participants concluded that inclusive, prioritise needs and derive solutions AN INCLUSIVE APPROACH collaborative problem-solving that across four themes that spanned both REQUIRES AN INTERPLAY embraces different perspectives is local and global issues relating to the BETWEEN THE TECHNICAL AND essential in addressing such complex resourcing and consumption of Earth’s and thorny topics; the circular economy, materials: 1) Community engagement in NON-TECHNICAL WORLDS, which is inherently multidisciplinary Earth resource extraction and use; BRIDGING POLICY, INDUSTRY, and collaborative, is key to sustainable 2) Societal perceptions of the extraction PRACTITIONERS AND ACADEMIA, resourcing; and the way forward industry; 3) Earth resources and the AND UNITING GEOSCIENCE AND requires the combined efforts of those circular economy; and 4) Ethical and working across the natural and social responsible sourcing of Earth resources. ENGINEERING WITH SOCIAL AND sciences, in academia, industry and The four topics were identified by POLITICAL SCIENCE in government. a team of world-leading scholars,
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challenges”. And these challenges involve everyone, as Dr Judy Muthuri, an expert in corporate social responsibility at Nottingham University, explained: “Sustainable resource development requires a collective effort from everybody. When you talk about governance of resource, there is a role for every actor in society to play if the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are to be realised”. Cross-cutting themes The outcomes of the week’s discussions highlighted the necessity for a long-term adaptive and continuous programme Six ReSToRE participants from all over the world. From left to right: (back row) Emilio Castillo (from Chile), of activity. A key message is that the Halleluya Ekandjo (from Namibia), Muhammad Tahir (from Afghanistan), Geertje Schuitema (Director of ReSToRE); (front row) Laura Berdi (from Hungary), Josphat Nguu (from Kenya) and Sarah Caven (from Northern Ireland) different actors necessary for resourcing a sustainable future cannot be considered in isolation. Consumer demand, business proposed that, in the circular economy, Dublin’s School of Earth Sciences and practices, environmental and societal mining companies may even re-emerge Geological Survey Ireland, explained: impacts, community involvement in as ‘materials’ or ‘resources’ companies. “One of the goals of the summer school decision-making and development are all And once again, interdisciplinarity is is to facilitate the development of a global intrinsically interlinked in a non-linear chain fundamental, as Wouter Poortinga network of people working in this truly that interweaves resource supply, use and expressed, “the circular economy is interdisciplinary area. We want to build reuse. Failure to consider resourcing issues inherently interdisciplinary—it forces us to a community that will share experiences though a collective lens will not support think beyond disciplinary boundaries.” to generate new knowledge, strengthen effective and efficient change. individual actors, and ultimately to An inclusive approach requires an The way forward advance us as a community working in a interplay between the technical and non- So how do we move forwards, and fast? field of great societal relevance.” technical worlds, bridging policy, industry, Immersive events like the ReSToRE summer practitioners and academia, and uniting school play a key role in creating a safe Further Information geoscience and engineering with social and space for interdisciplinary connections. As A suite of summer school resources, political science. This isn’t easy. For many, Professor John Thompson from Cornell including live-streamed videos of the working at the edge of one’s discipline, University and PetraScience Consultants presentations and discussions by expert and stepping into the space of others, remarked, “Interdisciplinary collaboration is mentors, blogs from the summer school can be challenging, and uncomfortable. absolutely key; the really innovative ideas participants, and movies capturing the Building collaboration across divides happen when you’re working with others ReSToRE programme can be found on the requires resources and support. Thus, at the edges of your expertise. That’s ReSToRE webpage: https://www.icrag- interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral fora are where you will find innovation, within the centre.org/restore/. fundamental if future resource development common ideas that evolve from there.” He iCRAG, the International Union of is to align with global sustainability goals. added that “workshops like those at this Geological Sciences and Geological Survey wwAnother key theme was the clear summer school are one of the things that Ireland were the organising sponsors opportunity for the resources chain to will actually move us forward, by defining of ReSToRE, which was held under the embrace the circular economy. the gaps, the research opportunities, the patronage of UNESCO. Sponsorship came A responsible resources sector will be themes to pursue, policies that we might from BHP, Boliden, Rio Tinto, Teck, with clean and efficient, with reduced, managed need to consider or advocate for—all of additional support from the Irish Research and, where possible, reused waste. Some those things are going to lead to action, Council and UCD College of Business. companies are already moving towards potentially new programmes, different ways The UN Paris Agreement (to date, such a circular resource economy, but of collaborating.” 185 Parties have ratified of 197 Parties there is huge scope to do more. Enabling a ReSToRE grew out of the Resources to the Convention); https://unfccc.int/ circular economy requires transparent and for Future Generations conference, which process/the-paris-agreement/status-of- collaborative input from all stakeholders, was chaired by John Thompson and held ratification clear connections between producers, in Vancouver in summer 2018 (http:// markets and consumers, and facilitation by www.rfg2018.org/). It is intended that the Dr Jen Roberts is Chancellor’s Fellow at the economic and societal factors, including ReSToRE programme is just the beginning University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. consumer demand and supportive of a network of activities in a crucial field. Dr Anthea Lacchia is a Research Fellow in policies. The summer school participants As Dr Maeve Boland, of University College iCRAG at University College Dublin.
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DISTANT THUNDER Turning the tide
Geologist and science writer Nina Morgan charts the rocky road to gender equality
he British Geological Survey (BGS) was founded in 1835, and for the T first 108 years of its existence, its professional ranks remained an exclusively male preserve. It wasn’t until the Second World War that female geology graduates were allowed to join its scientific staff. The first, Eileen Guppy [c. 1904-1980], who joined BGS as a technical assistant (petrology), was promoted to the rank of assistant geologist in 1943—but then demoted to the grade of Senior Experimental Officer in 1945. During the war, BGS of the BGS geological staff are women, mores when it comes to marriage, women also employed a number of women and although BGS employment statistics now have many more choices. For all sorts graduates, nicknamed ‘Water Babies’, suggest there is still a significant pay of reasons, many women are choosing to who travelled mainly on bicycles carrying gap between men and women, working raise families together with a partner out an inventory of water bores and towards gender equality is now definitely outside of marriage, so remain ‘technically’ wells to help ensure vital water supplies. on the BGS agenda. unmarried. Back in the old days, co- It wasn’t until 1957 that Diane Knill habiting was thought of as ‘living in sin’— became the first woman to directly enter Your marriage or your job certainly not something the ordained the Survey as a Geologist. And it took Nevertheless, there is no denying that it Reverend Sedgwick would have ever until 1978 before Edna Waine was put in has been a long journey. No women at all considered. But, looking at it logically, it charge of the Analytical and Ceramics were recruited into the BGS until the might have served as a clever way of Unit and became the first female head 1920s, when an advertisement for outsmarting the marriage ban. of a BGS unit. technical staff specified that women Women power was clearly too good candidates “must be unmarried or widows End notes: Sources this vignette include: to waste, and as time went on more and will be required to resign their Freedom and Equality by Rod Bowie [bgs. and more pioneering female geologists appointment upon marriage”. In fairness, ac.uk/education/archive_awareness; broke into the BGS’s scientific ranks. the BGS was far from alone in restricting https://www.bgs.ac.uk/downloads/start. In 1967, Sue Arnold joined the crew on married women from employment. It was cfm?id=904]; The historic role of women the Moray Firth IV and became the first not until the Sex Discrimination and Equal scientists at BGS by Catherine Pennington woman employed by BGS to carry out Pay Acts of 1975 came into force that [http://britgeopeople.blogspot. research at sea. Then, in 1972, Audrey employers were prevented from forcing com/2015/02/the-historic-role-of- Jackson, a graduate of Trinity College women to resign when they married women-scientists.html]; Down to Earth Dublin with previous field experience, Women were not the only ones to suffer One hundred and fifty years of the British became the first female geologist from this draconian restriction in order to Geological Survey by H.E. Wilson, ISBN employed by BGS to spend extended keep their geological jobs. The geologist 707304733; gender employment statistics periods in the field as a geological Adam Sedgwick [1785-1873] was also were provided by BGS [a 2017 report is mapper. In 1995, the geochemist Jane forbidden to marry under the terms of his available here: https://www.bgs.ac.uk/ Plant [1945-2016] became the first employment as Woodwardian Professor of contacts/people/BGSGenderPayGapRe woman to hold the position of Deputy Geology at Cambridge University. [email protected]]. Director of BGS. She went on to serve Fortunately, these days the tide is as the Survey’s chief scientist from turning. Although there is still some way to * Nina Morgan is a geologist and science writer 2000 until 2005, before leaving BGS to go before true gender equality in based near Oxford. Her latest book, The Geology become Professor of Geochemistry at employment and pay for female geologists of Oxford Gravestones, is available via Imperial College, London. Today, 39% is achieved, thanks to changing social www.gravestonegeology.uk
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Geoscientists in the news and on the move in the UK, Europe and worldwide
GeoWeek–for everyone? The relevance and importance of geoscience is opaque to many. As a community, we are responsible for raising the subject’s profile. One way to do this is by organising an event for GeoWeek 2020, as Chris King & John Stevenson report
eoWeek ran for the second time this job when the public you are communicating year, with a more than 100% increase to are engaged and leave informed about G in activities and participants. There geoscience. Outdoors is the best learning and were 76 events, rising from 36 in 2018, with communicating environment in my opinion!” an increase in participants from 900 in 2018 “It always amazes me how interested The Society notes with to 2,200 in 2019. Regional coverage of events people are. The landscape and rocks beneath sadness the passing of: dramatically increased (sadly, no events were Britain are so varied that it is easy to captivate Almond, David * held in Wales, but in the future, who knows?). people and to surprise them with facts like Black, John Henry Given the success of GeoWeek 2019, we England and Scotland were once separated. Crossley Nutt, Michael John * Lumsden, Alastair * have set ourselves ambitious targets going Also helping them to realise how useful rocks Marriott, Derek Leslie * forward. We want to achieve more than and minerals have been (and still are) whether McCann, David Michael 10,000 participants in ten years and gain that’s for storing water, supplying building Osmaston, Miles * representation in all UK regions within materials or for future geothermal energy.” Rocha, Rogerio * Simpson, Peter Robert * seven years. “It shows the value of Earthcaches (and Talbot, Christopher J Meeting these targets will only be possible if GeoWeek that gave me the impetus) and how many Geoscientist readers take part. So what we can teach Earth Science to a class even In the interests of recording Fellows’ work for posterity, the Society publishes does taking part involve? It means planning an when we are not there!” obituaries online, and in Geoscientist. event to inform and educate members of the GeoWeek events provide a fun and Bold, recent additions to the list; * public about the geoscience that is on their simple way to engage your local community Fellows for whom no obituarist has been commissioned; § biographical material doorstep and beyond, for GeoWeek 2020. and educate them in the importance of lodged with the Society. It also means noting that GeoWeek has no geoscience as a subject. For inspiration, If you would like to contribute an obituary, funding or remit for local advertising. Event check out our report on GeoWeek 2019 on please email amy.whitchurch@geolsoc. organisers plan what to do, submit details to Geoscientist online, as well as the GeoWeek org.uk to be commissioned. You can the GeoWeek website at https://www.bgs. website (www.geoweek.org.uk). To join read the guidance for authors at www. ac.uk/geoweek/, advertise the event locally the GeoWeek Supergroup, or for general geolsoc.org.uk/obituaries. To save yourself unnecessary work, please do not and run the event on the day. information, contact us at ESEFEW@gmail. write anything until you have received a What do you get in return? Satisfaction that com. You can also find guidance and the commissioning letter. more people in your area have a much better publicity toolkit at https://www.bgs.ac.uk/ Deceased Fellows for whom no obituary idea of what geoscience is and what it does. geoweek/toolkit.html is forthcoming have their names and GeoWeek has generated significant interest dates recorded in a Roll of Honour at www.geolsoc.org.uk/obituaries. and excellent feedback from participants. This year 95% of the organisers rated their organising experience as 4 or 5 (5=very good), commenting: “It definitely makes you feel fulfilled in your Staff Matters All Fellows of the Society are entitled to entries in this column. Sarah Day, Head of Media CAROUSEL Please email [email protected], quoting your Fellowship number. Relations & Outreach, has left her current role to take up the position of locum Editor for ◆ Phil Gibbard Geoscientist magazine. The At the international STRATI 2019 Congress in Milano, Italy, Professor Phil Gibbard Society thanks Sarah for her was awarded the prestigious Digby McClaren Medal by the International Union of valuable contribution to its Geological Sciences’ International Commission on Stratigraphy (Photography by outreach work over the years Dr Angela Coe). and wishes her every success in her role at Geoscientist.
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Crossword
FROM THE LIBRARY The Library is open Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm www.geolsoc.org.uk/library
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OBITUARY Derick Leonard Helm (1949-2017)
Sociable, quick-witted with a cheeky sense of humour, erick Leonard Helm level of enthusiasm. was born in he was a pragmatic economic geologist who was At the height of the project, Gorleston, Norfolk generous with his time and resources Derick managed a team of 18 D on the 10th July geologists. At least eight drill 1949, the fourth of six rigs were running, 24 hours a children and the only brother day. Under his leadership, to five sisters. over 264,000 metres of drill After graduating with a 2(i) core and chips were drilled. in Geology from Bristol Over two billion tonnes University in 1974, Derick got of iron ore resources his first job as a geologist were defined. with Shell Coal. He was posted to Mbabane, Retirement Swaziland, where he ‘cut his Derick retired in 2014 and teeth’ on the St. Phillips coal early in 2015 he moved to project. Although only Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain. recently graduated, he set Despite a third heart attack in high standards and 2015, he maintained a positive possessed a high degree outlook and enjoyed a of pragmatism. relatively peaceful retirement Derick left Swaziland in on the Spanish coast for the 1978 and following stints at next two years. However, he Shell’s Holland and London sadly died from his heart offices, he was posted to condition in Spain on the 18th explore for coal in the Ju ne 2017. Transvaal in South Africa. He Derick was a first-class returned to the UK in 1982 geologist, pragmatist and
and went on to work in China IMAGE CREDIT: DAMARIS HELM friend. He was intelligent and for several three-month generous of both his time and periods. This proved to be a resources. He also mentored difficult time for Derick as the DERICK WAS A Derick successfully defined many younger geologists joint venture with the Chinese FIRST-CLASS over 30 million tonnes of coal during his career. National Coal Company was resources and by 2006, Derick is survived by his beset by internal political GEOLOGIST, PRAGMATIST delivered a project which, five sisters (Maureen, Janet, wrangling and differences in AND FRIEND. HE WAS whilst awaiting permits, Christine, Sheila and Linda), working culture. INTELLIGENT AND was ready to go forward to his first wife Rosemary, third GENEROUS OF mine development. wife Damaris, four children South America However, in November (Matt, Jonny, Tessa and Following redundancy from BOTH HIS TIME AND 2008, frustrated by the Leonela) and his Shell Coal in 1987, Derick set RESOURCES shut-down of Las Carmelitas, granddaughter Maya. up his own consultancy Derick moved to Uruguay to business, Explorex. It was in become Chief Geologist for 1990 that he was recruited to Maracaibo and started work Minera Aratiri on its Las Compiled and written by Iain explore for coal in Venezuela for Cosila S.A. on its Las Valentines iron ore project. Henrys who thanks Matt Helm, Jon Codd, Dulce Pachano and and this began a relationship Carmelitas coal project, His task: reinvigorate the Natalia Seluchi for providing with South America that located close to the border existing exploration and contributing information. would last for the rest of with Colombia. Despite the fast-track the project to mine (The full version of this obituary his life. complexities of both the development. He accepted the appears online. Editor.) By 1996, he had moved to geology and the local security, challenge with his usual high
HELP YOUR OBITUARIST The Society operates a scheme for Fellows to deposit biographical material. The object is to assist obituarists by providing contacts, dates and other information, and thus ensure that Fellows’ lives are accorded appropriate and accurate commemoration. Please send your CV and a photograph to Amy Whitchurch at the Society.
28 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST | SEPTEMBER 2019 | 29 GEOSCIENTIST OBITUARY
OBITUARY Peter Marriott Barber (1950-2018)
Well-known petroleum geologist and sequence Conferences and Abstract r Peter Barber Society of London, AAPG died peacefully in stratigrapher, he was a font of knowledge and a and PESA. December 2018. He mentor to those with whom he worked ISIS was incorporated D was 68 years old. into RISC in April 2014 and Deadlines Peter was born in Newark- became RISC G&G. The on-Trent, Nottinghamshire. timing of this transformation He grew up with his younger and name change was brothers, Martin and Jerry, in prescient as the rise of the Debris-Covered Glaciers: from remote sensing and fi eld-based tools to local various parts of the UK. Peter global terror group with the was four years old before his same name would not have communities parents realised that he was been good for business. 2 -4 September 2019 profoundly deaf. Despite this and with the help of a Writing Registration Open hearing aid, Peter did very Peter was diagnosed with The Geological Society, London well at school and gained a Parkinson’s Disease in 2010. scholarship to the University He persevered as the disease www.geolsoc.org.uk/GSL-Debris-Covered-Glaciers of Wales, Aberystwyth. He gradually took hold. He also graduated in 1972 with a BSc battled cancerous tumours Responsible Investment in Natural Resources (Honours) degree in Geology. in his later years. He retired at the time of the ISIS-RISC 7 - 8 October 2019 Petroleum projects merger and devoted his spare Registration Open Peter’s first job was with Core time to painting and writing Laboratories working mainly his book. The book “Journeys The Geological Society, London in the North Sea, USA, Iran in Deep Time” is a collection www.geolsoc.org.uk/GSL-Responsible-Investing and Madagascar. In 1974, he of stories he originally wrote joined Phillips Petroleum for his grandchildren in Company as a project which he described various Salt Tectonics: Understanding Rocks that Flow geologist in their London PETER HAD Paul Carter (geophysicist). phases of his varied and 29 - 31 October 2019 office. Apart from fieldwork THE ABILITY The consultancy was very eventful life. The book Registration Open in Egypt as part of his PhD TO TOTALLY IMMERSE successful and gained a was completed only a few research, Peter remained in reputation in the industry weeks before his passing. The Geological Society, London Phillips’ London office until HIMSELF IN HIS PROJECT for high-quality petroleum He maintained his positive https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/PG-Salt-Tectonics 1978 when he was transferred AND HE PRODUCED geoscience work. Peter attitude to life and sense first to Singapore and then SOME OUTSTANDINGLY developed a solid reputation humour until the very end. to Perth. In 1982, he was in the petroleum exploration Peter is survived by his wife 7th London Geothermal Symposium awarded a PhD in Geology INSIGHTFUL WORK industry as an expert in Elaine, his sons Francis and from Imperial College THAT WAS WIDELY sequence stratigraphy. Peter Simon, and his two grandsons 5 November 2019 London for his studies on the ADMIRED had the ability to totally William and Bobby. Abstract deadline: 30 September 2019 sedimentology of the Nile immerse himself in his Peter, rest in peace. We The Geological Society, London Delta, Egypt. After short project for days and weeks at mourn your passing but your spells with WMC Petroleum on the geology of the a time and he produced some passion for geology, gentle www.geolsoc.org.uk/GSL-7th-Geothermal-Symposium in Adelaide and Petroz N.L in Exmouth Plateau in 1982 outstandingly insightful wit and kindness live on. We Perth in the late 1980s, Peter and 1988. work that was widely all miss you greatly. Geopoetry 2020 re-joined Phillips in 1990 Peter and Phillips parted admired. He developed and focussed his attention company in 2000 and Peter strong collaborative 1 October 2020 on the geology of the North founded ISIS Petroleum professional links with many By Chris Swarbrick Abstract deadline: 1 March 2020 West Shelf, publishing Consultants Pty Ltd with top professionals in the (The full version of this obituary several professional papers, former colleagues Paul exploration industry. He was appears online. Editor.) Edinburgh, Scotland including landmark papers Robinson (geologist) and a member of the Geological www.geolsoc.org.uk/GSL-Geopoetry-2020
HELP YOUR OBITUARIST The Society operates a scheme for Fellows to deposit biographical material. The object is to assist obituarists by providing contacts, dates and other e Geological Society of London, registered charity, number 210161 Image: Laminated sandstones on Gullane beach © Milena Farajewicz information, and thus ensure that Fellows’ lives are accorded appropriate and accurate commemoration. Please send your CV and a photograph to Amy Whitchurch at the Society.
30 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST Conferences and Abstract Deadlines
Debris-Covered Glaciers: from remote sensing and fi eld-based tools to local communities 2 -4 September 2019 Registration Open The Geological Society, London www.geolsoc.org.uk/GSL-Debris-Covered-Glaciers
Responsible Investment in Natural Resources 7 - 8 October 2019 Registration Open The Geological Society, LondonAD SPACE www.geolsoc.org.uk/GSL-Responsible-Investing
Salt Tectonics: Understanding Rocks that Flow 29 - 31 October 2019 Registration Open The Geological Society, London https://www.geolsoc.org.uk/PG-Salt-Tectonics
7th London Geothermal Symposium 5 November 2019 Abstract deadline: 30 September 2019 The Geological Society, London www.geolsoc.org.uk/GSL-7th-Geothermal-Symposium
Geopoetry 2020 1 October 2020 Abstract deadline: 1 March 2020 Edinburgh, Scotland www.geolsoc.org.uk/GSL-Geopoetry-2020
e Geological Society of London, registered charity, number 210161 Image: Laminated sandstones on Gullane beach © Milena Farajewicz
30 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | WWW.GEOLSOC.ORG.UK/GEOSCIENTIST 1- 2 OCTOBER 2019 | OLYMPIA LONDON
VIEW THE FULL PROGRAMME & REGISTER NOW AT https://africa.pesgb.org.uk/ PESGB/HGS Member | £500 Non-member | £576
AFRICA IS BACK SMARTER STRONGER BETTER
This annualAD event, SPACE alternating between London and Houston, has established itself as the primary technical E&P conference and exhibition on Africa. The Africa E&P Conference 2017 was attended by 60% over 600 delegates, with more than 30 countries of attendees were Presidents / VP / represented including Congo, Comoros, Gabon, Directors / Exploration Managers / Guinea, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Senior Explorationists / Chief / Senior Geophysicists and Geoscientists Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa. Reflecting the high-quality technical content, 50% of the audience is G&G, with 20% of the audience identifying themselves as C-level executives. Over 250 companies represented at Africa 2017 #AfricaEP2019 This year the PESGB has received over 90 high quality abstract submissions which will form @PESGB a diverse and relevant technical programme. Submissions have once again come from across the industry spectrum and include oil companies, service companies and academia. All the main prospective regions of Africa will be considered. We are looking forward to papers on, recent discoveries and forthcoming wells in Africa, GET IN TOUCH including high impact and play-opening wells presented by their Operators. Technical overviews For more information, of basins hosting licences rounds will provide a 29% please get in touch with unique opportunity to fast track your technical of the audience was international with representation [email protected] knowledge ahead of bid deadlines. A range of submissions provide an overview of technical from: Comoros, Mozambique, or call 01224 646311 Sierra Leone, South Africa, workflows that set the standard for industry best Namibia, Guinea, Congo, practice. Once again the conference will be the “go Madagascar, Gabon, Nigeria, to” for Africa E&P activity and in-depth geological São Tomé & Príncipe understanding of the continent.
Africa EP Conference 2019.indd 12 08/08/2019 11:32:12