By Charles Igomu, 2023 Science Communication Intern
The need to address climate change is clear, with both the scientific community and the general public acknowledging the impact of greenhouse gas emissions on our planet. Amid various strategies to mitigate climate change, geologic CO2 storage emerges as a promising solution. During the 2023 GSA Connects meeting held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, we had the privilege of interviewing Ashley Douds, a dedicated researcher from the Indiana Geological and Water Survey, who is at the forefront of investigating the state’s potential for geologic carbon storage.
Douds’s journey into geology was a stroke of luck. Initially drawn to a different field, circumstances led her to geology and geography classes in her freshman year. Despite lacking a science background, Douds was captivated by geology, setting the stage for an intriguing career.
As a researcher, she concentrates on two critical areas: carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), and critical minerals. Initially involved in petroleum research, Douds transitioned to CCUS because of its relevance to the global energy transition and the applicability of her skill set. Her current research is focused on evaluating the geologic carbon storage potential of Indiana.
Douds is convinced that Indiana is an excellent candidate for geologic carbon storage. The state has a high carbon emission profile, coupled with abundant deep saline aquifers, a favorable structural profile, and robust caprock, all of which make it a prime location for effective carbon storage initiatives.
Geologic carbon storage, also known as carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon sequestration, is a process aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), from human activities like burning fossil fuels for energy. The primary objective is to capture CO2 emissions at their source, prevent them from entering the atmosphere, and store or sequester them in geologic formations deep underground. Common geologic storage formations include depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams. The goal of geologic carbon storage is to mitigate the impact of anthropogenic CO2 emissions on climate change by preventing a significant amount of greenhouse gasses from reaching the atmosphere. By securely storing CO2 underground for long periods, this method helps reduce the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, contributing to global efforts to limit global warming and combat climate change.
While geologic carbon storage is considered a promising technology for mitigating climate change, it is important to note that it also raises various environmental, technical, and regulatory challenges. Ensuring the safety and permanence of storage, addressing potential leakage risks, and managing public perception are critical aspects of implementing successful geologic carbon storage projects. However, there remains a gap in public understanding. Groundwater contamination and seismic activity arising from CO2 injection into underground geologic formations are common worries among the public. Douds emphasizes that a lack of communication has led to a lack of public knowledge about the safeguards in place for geologic carbon storage projects.
She clarifies that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has implemented stringent measures to ensure the safety of every proposed CCUS project. Douds underscores the importance of Monitoring, Verification, and Accounting (MVA) for Geologic Storage Projects as essential safety measures enacted by the EPA. In addition, a comprehensive study of the subsurface is required to obtain a permit. These practices not only enhance the safety of CCUS projects but also contribute to public confidence in the effectiveness of this climate mitigation strategy.
Douds’s research is paving the way for sustainable solutions to combat climate change through geologic CO2 storage. By addressing public concerns and advocating for effective communications, Douds and her colleagues at the Indiana Geological and Water Survey are contributing to a cleaner, greener future for Indiana and beyond.
The GSA Science Communication Internship was a program offered at GSA Connects in Pittsburgh, Penn., designed for student attendees interested in science communication as a possible alternative career path. Interns were paired with GSA’s Science Communication Fellow in order to gain experience in making science clear and exciting, under the tutelage of a professional writer. Students were assigned to conduct interviews with presenters at the meeting and to compile summaries capturing the significance of the presenters’ work for a non-technical audience. Media assignments and mentoring were useful learning experiences and exposure opportunities for students seeking to expand their knowledge into geoscientific reporting.
