Fracking, Earthquakes, Water Quality and Geothermal Energy Among Conference Topics

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas geosciences department is hosting a two-day conference Monday, March 17, and Tuesday, March 18, at the Chancellor Hotel in Fayetteville. As many as 300 geoscientists from Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mexico will attend the sessions as part of the 48th meeting of the South-Central Section of the Geological Society of America.

Current research will be presented on subjects such as the impact of hydraulic fracturing (fracking), geothermal energy development and groundwater quality. The conference is open to the public, but attendees must pay a registration fee. Fee information and a full schedule for the conference are available at the Geological Society of America website.

A free public showing of the documentary film “Shored Up” will be held at 6 p.m. Monday night. The film aims to entertain and educate people on climate change from the local to the global scale.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for many of the top geoscientists in the country to come together to present the most recent research on environmental subjects that are of a great concern to people in Arkansas and around the world,” said Steve Boss, U of A professor of geosciences and chair of the program committee. “At the same time we will be taking these scientists on field trips around the area, to introduce them to the unique geology of Northwest Arkansas.”

Sponsors of the conference include Approach Resources Inc., Devon Energy, Pioneer Natural Resources, the Dallas Paleontological Society and the National Association of Black Geoscientists.

The Geological Society of America, founded in 1888, is a scientific organization with more than 26,000 members from academia, government and industry in more than 100 countries. Through its meetings, publications and programs, the society enhances the professional growth of its members and promotes the geosciences in the service of humankind. Headquartered in Boulder, Colo., the society encourages cooperative research among earth, life, planetary and social scientists, fosters public dialogue on geoscience issues, and supports all levels of earth science education.