Geoscience in the Arctic: Permafrost, Energy, and Trade Routes in the Last Frontier

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Date & Location
Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Cannon 122

Geoscience information is integral to strengthening the economy of the last frontier. This briefing will highlight the importance of the geosciences for sustaining infrastructure, supplying energy to the nation, and expanding commerce in the Arctic.

At this widely attended briefing, learn more about the critical applications of geoscience information as communities brace for dynamic subsurface freezing and thawing, maritime trade routes expand, and new energy resources are discovered. In this dynamic landscape, geoscience is critical to inform economic decision making.

Experts will address the following questions:

  1. What are the unique challenges associated with building and maintaining public infrastructure on permafrost? How can we employ geosciences to mitigate those challenges?
  2. How do we ensure maritime safety as more ships navigate the Arctic seas? What role does mapping of ocean conditions play in ensuring commerce and identifying trade routes
  3. What energy resources lie deep in the Arctic? How can Arctic energy sources bolster national energy independence?

Moderator and Speakers

This briefing will be moderated by Tom Crafford, Program Coordinator, Mineral Resources Program, USGS.

Our speakers include:

  • William Schnabel, Director, Institute of Northern Engineering, University of Alaska Fairbanks | pdf download icon Slides
  • Ashley Chappell, Program Coordinator, Integrated Ocean and Coastal Mapping, NOAA Office of Coast Survey | pdf download icon Slides
  • James Slutz, Senior Study Coordinator, National Petroleum Council

Briefing Flyer: pdf download icon Download flyer