Geologists highlight quality of life issues

The vital importance of the work of geologists in maintaining the quality of life in modern society will be highlighted in a series of local lectures over the coming months.

Organised by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment’s Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), the lectures will describe new developments in geology and how geoscientists provide solutions to a wide range of problems facing society.

Topics will include the monitoring and impact assessment of natural hazards, the resolution of resource and environmental issues, understanding the impact of climate change, the concept of sustainable energy and the development of natural resources.

The Inaugural Lecture will be given by Dr David Falvey, the Director of the British Geological Survey, on Thursday 4th September in the Ulster Museum.

However, the main series of lectures takes place at fortnightly intervals from Monday 19th January 2004 and will consider issues such as understanding geological hazards (volcanic eruptions and earthquakes), the role of fossil fuels in Northern Ireland, how geologists monitor the environment from the air, planning for sustainable minerals extraction, the last Ice Age and how our water supplies are related to climate change.

All the speakers belong to the British Geological Survey and are experts in their respective fields.

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