Events

Planetary Habitability Seminar: Andy Czaja, University of Cincinnati

Speaker: Andy Czaja, Associate Professor, Department of Geosciences, University of Cincinnati

Host: Eric Hiatt

Title: Earth’s Ancient Biosphere: An Analogue For Life In the Universe

Abstract: Life on Earth dates back more than 3.5 billion years. Although the rock record is sparse that far back, we know a good deal about early life. This talk will review what we know, what we don’t know, and current directions in the field and my lab to study early life and the coevolution of life and the planet. I will also discuss how we use the ancient Earth as an analogue for alien biospheres we may find elsewhere in our solar system (and beyond?), with particular emphasis on Mars, the Mars 2020 mission, and Mars Sample Return.

UTIG Discussion Hour: Dr. David Mohrig (EPS)

DeFord Lecture | Dr. Karin Olson Hoal

Critical Minerals and Metals in a Changing Resources Sector by Dr. Karin Olson Hoal, Wold Family Professor in Environmental Balance for Human Sustainability at Cornell University’s Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

Abstract: The renewable energy transition presents conflicting interests and impacts: a perceived green low-emissions economy powered by significant increases in not-so-green metals extraction, or mining. Unlike bulk ore commodities, critical minerals and metals that the new energy economy requires are hosted in trace quantities in rocks and minerals. Knowledge of their distribution through mineral and geochemical characterization is important; examples include ores, drillholes, and nodules on the seafloor.

Assumptions as to critical mineral availability, future production, what is where and how to get it out are based on how things have been done in the past, so that new resources are likely to be extracted as they traditionally have been and with similar impacts. As geologists, we understand the complexities of materials variability in the subsurface, with mineral compositions and ore types having a somewhat predictable nature, and we transfer that knowledge into best practice for more sustainable, and risk-reduced operations. This is the area of geometallurgy (geomet), which influences decision making on the engineering and financial side, and which is driving change in the resources sector through understanding geology.

In this presentation, the landscape of critical minerals and metals is addressed from the viewpoint of geoscience and mineral compositional variability, and in the context of a more sustainable and responsive mineral resources sector.

UTIG Seminar Series: Steven Constable, Scripps Oceanography

Speaker: Steven Constable, Professor of Geophysics, Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Host: Eric Attias

Title: Mixing electricity and water: The world of marine electromagnetic methods

Abstract: Electrical conductivity can be used to estimate rock porosity, tell freshwater from saltwater, oil from water, melt from solid rock, ice or gas hydrate content, and even temperature. Electromagnetic methods were developed on land in the 1960’s and taken into the marine environment soon after, but marine EM remained an academic niche until commercialization around the turn of the century provided resources to advance instrumentation and software, pushing marine EM methods into the mainstream. Now, any application of EM methods on land can, and has, been taken offshore. Plate boundary studies show the distribution and extent of melting at ridges and fluids in subduction systems. Gas hydrate on the continental margins can be quantified in ways nearly impossible with seismic methods. EM methods are uniquely positioned to study offshore groundwater, and could play an important role in geotechnical studies such as those necessary for offshore wind farm infrastructure.

Hot Science - Cool Talks: "Recipes for Food Insecurity"

In “Recipes for Food Insecurity” Dr. Raj Patel unveils a powerful link between food justice and addressing climate change. Battling a changing means transforming the food system, challenging racism, and dismantling the patriarchy. Dr. Patel’s insights originate from researching frontline communities who have already developed unique solutions for a hot planet.

UTIG Discussion Hour: McKenzie Carlson (UTIG)