EES Departmental Seminar: Flaming tap water revisited: The science behind the occurrence of methane in groundwaters overlying unconventional oil, gas, and coal fields

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Dr. Owen Sherwood
Earth and Environmental Sciences, H�� University

Title: Flaming tap water revisited: The science behind the occurrence of methane in groundwaters overlying unconventional oil, gas, and coal fields

Abstract: The development and expansion of horizontal drilling combined with hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) in the early part the 21st century revolutionized the onshore oil and gas industry, reversing long term declines in production. However, it has also raised concerns about environmental impacts, especially with respect to groundwater contamination. Recent announcements from the government of Nova Scotia concerning the potential for shale gas development in the province highlight the need for a better understanding of these impacts. This seminar will explore the origins of subsurface methane, the occurrence of natural versus stray gas in groundwater, and some case studies from Nova Scotia and other areas.

Speaker: Owen Sherwood is an Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Director of the Stable Isotope Biogeochemistry Laboratory at H�� University. He specializes in stable isotope biogeochemistry, petroleum geochemistry, and paleoceanography.

EES Departmental Seminar: Are We Digging Deep Enough to Get Permafrost Carbon?

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Dr. Melissa Schwab
Earth and Environmental Sciences, H�� University

Title: Are We Digging Deep Enough to Get Permafrost Carbon?

Dal Events

EES Departmental Seminar: Flaming tap water revisited: The science behind the occurrence of methane in groundwaters overlying unconventional oil, gas, and coal fields

EES Departmental Seminar: Are We Digging Deep Enough to Get Permafrost Carbon?