Department of Earth Sciences

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  We are a leading Earth Science Department with researchers and teachers of the highest international calibre housed in a new, state-of-the-art building with bespoke facilities. We teach a cohort of very well-qualified students in 5 undergraduate Honours degree programmes: Geology BSc; Geoscience MSci; Earth Sciences BSc; Environmental Geosciences BSc; Geophysics with Geology BSc. Admissions to Durham are highly sought after, and we typically register 80 students each year, while also participating in the University’s prestigious Natural Sciences Programme. Major research units in the Department include: the Centre for Research in Earth Energy Systems and the Terrestrial Laser Scanning facility . The Department co-hosts the UK Ocean-Bottom Instrumentation Consortium and is a key collaborator in the University-wide the Institute for Hazard, Risk & Resilience and Durham Energy Institute.
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News

Drilling for Shale Gas in Lancashire

Andy Aplin commented on Cuadrilla's current drilling activities in Lancashire in Big Issue North. The article can be found here.

(15 May 2017)

UK shale gas extraction could be reduced by limited space to develop wells

Only a quarter of the shale gas contained in one of the UK’s largest reserves might be recoverable because of limited space to develop the wells needed to extract it, according to new research undertaken by Durham researchers from the ReFINE (Research Fracking in Europe) consortium. The researchers looked at the impact of existing and immovable infrastructure – such as buildings, roads and rivers – on the capacity to remove gas from the Bowland Shale, a type of rock that is thought to hold the majority of the UK’s shale gas reserves. By mapping well pads on to an area licensed for potential shale gas extraction, the team saw how often these sites would clash with existing properties, roads and natural features.

(3 Apr 2017) » More about Shale gas extraction limited by available space

Daphne Jackson Fellowship opportunity

The former Dean of Equality & Diversity, Catherine Alexander, has secured funding for two Daphne Jackson Fellowships within the Faculty of Science (including Earth Sciences). The Fellowships are open to those wishing to return to STEM research following a career break of at least two years for family, caring or health reasons.

Further information is available from http://www.daphnejackson.org/fellowships/Current%20Opportunities/durham_university_fellowship2017.pdf. The closing date for applications is 12th May.

(31 Mar 2017)

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Contact Details

Department of Earth Sciences,
Durham University,
Science Labs,
Durham DH1 3LE

Tel: +44 0191 3342300
Fax: +44 0191 3342301
E-mail: earth.sciences @durham.ac.uk