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The controversial subject of shale gas and the use of "fracking" (hydraulic fracturing) will be the subject of a free public lecture at UWA this Monday 30 April by visiting UWA Institute of Advanced Studies Professor-at-Large Derek Elsworth.

Shale gas has been identified as one of a variety of options to reduce the carbon footprint of energy use. Its extraction however, requires the use of "fracking", which is by its very nature disruptive, and raises many complex issues for the environment.

In this lecture, Professor Elsworth, co-founder of the Center for Geomechanics, Geofluids and Geohazards (G3) at Penn State University will discuss the broad range of issues related to gas production and the implications for the environment, energy and economics.

Professor Elsworth's research focuses on understanding the role of fluids on natural and engineered processes in the Earth's crust, particularly in the evolution of transport and mechanical properties of fractured rocks under the complex action of stress, fluid pressures and chemistry. This work has contributed to understanding in the deep geological sequestration of radioactive wastes and of CO ₂ , in mining, petroleum and geothermal engineering and of volcanic hazards.

WHAT:         Public Lecture - Shale Gas and Fracking: Environmental Saviour or Devil Incarnate?

WHERE: Murdoch Lecture Theatre (G58) Arts Building, UWA (Parking - Car Park 3 off Hackett Drive.)

WHEN: 5pm , Monday 30 April 2012

RSVP:           Not required.

Media references

Audrey Barton (UWA Institute of Advanced Studies)  (+61 8)  6488 4797