Climate change, massive oil field to be discussed
Feb. 14, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- A petroleum geologist who asserts that geological and oceanic changes have done more to change the world's climate than human activity, will be one of two petroleum geologists to speak at Western Michigan University this month and in March.
Dr. Lee Gerhard, principal geologist of the Kansas Geological Survey, will address "Geological Perspectives on Global Climate Change" at 4 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, in Room 1118 of Rood Hall. Gerhard, who is the co-editor of a the recent book, "Geological Perspectives of Global Climate Change," considers the effects of plate tectonics, oceanic circulation and other geological processes as alternatives to human-induced changes in climate. He has an extensive background in petroleum exploration and oil and gas regulation and is the former Getty Professor of Geological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines. Gerhard also has operated an independent petroleum exploration company.
In the second geosciences presentation, Diana Morton-Thompson, a geologist and principal of Earth Resources International L.C. in Kalamazoo, will discuss "Saudi Aramco and Ghawar: The World's Largest Oil Field" at 4 p.m. Monday, March 11, in Room 1118 of Rood Hall. Morton-Thompson specializes in petroleum reservoir characterization, management and predictive modeling, and environmental issues.
Both presentations are sponsored by the WMU Department of Geosciences and are free and open to the public.
For more information, contact Dr. Alan E. Kehew, chairperson of the WMU Department of Geosciences, at (269) 387-5485.
Media contact: Marie Lee, 269 387-8400, marie.lee@wmich.edu