Director to speak about fossil fuel prospects, earthquake effects

Campus will welcome Marcia McNutt, director of the U.S. Geological Survey, for two lectures Feb. 6.

In her first lecture, McNutt will speak about the future of fossil fuel resources in the U.S. and the associated challenges in developing the resources. She will also discuss the role wind and solar energy have to play in lessening the U.S. dependency on fossil fuels.

Her other lecture will focus on recent earthquakes, including those in Haiti and Japan and how the damage affects preparation measures of communities.

“Dr. McNutt’s visit to IU offers an extraordinary opportunity for our faculty and students,” said Michael Hamburger, professor of geophysics in the IU Department of Geological Sciences, in a press release.

“She is not only a highly respected research scholar, but as the director of the U.S. Geological Survey, she is one of the government’s leading experts on energy policy, environmental issues and natural hazard mitigation.”

McNutt is the first woman to serve as director of the U.S. Geological Survey. The USGS is a national science organization that provides information on the state of the environment, national hazards and natural resources with the goal of minimizing loss of life, property and resources, according to its website. 

The visit is sponsored by the Department of Geological Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences.

IF YOU GO

“Earthquakes Near and Far: A Study in Community Resiliency”
WHEN Noon Feb. 6
WHERE Geology S201 (Patton Room)
WHAT Marcia McNutt, director of the U.S. Geological Survey, will discuss community resilience and preparation behind earthquake losses.
COST Free
MORE INFORMATION Call 812-855-2934 or email hamburg@indiana.edu

“U.S. Energy Outlook: Whatever Happened to ‘Peak Oil’?”
WHEN 4 p.m. Feb. 6
WHERE Fine Arts Auditorium
WHAT Marcia McNutt, the first woman to serve as director of the U.S. Geological Survey, will present on the U.S. outlook for fossil fuel resources, as well as the challenges presented when developing them. McNutt supports wind and solar energy development to help reduce dependence on fossil fuel.
COST Free
MORE INFORMATION Call 812-855-2934 or email hamburg@indiana.edu

~Matthew Glowicki