The geological evolution of natural resources in Yorkshire – what contribution to the energy transition?, Nick Shaw

Its over 200 years since William Smith and his nephew John Phillips started to document the lay of the land and publish geological maps. However, before that the Romans and later the monks, miners and canal builders had used their knowledge and experience to develop the natural resources of the region. In addition, gentleman geologists, then academics and industrial scientists have built-up our knowledge. In 1974 the Yorkshire Geological Society published the classic “The geology and mineral resources of Yorkshire” edited by Rayner and Hemingway. In the intervening period and up till present day, many new insights and understandings have developed in geology, how the earth works and how human activity has influenced the planet’s climate, including recognition of the Anthropocene. More recently the coal mining industry has closed-down and onshore hydrocarbon exploration and production has had a limited purchase, and even less social acceptance.

Despite the relatively gentle stratal dips to the south-east or east, the geological history of Yorkshire is punctuated by three major unconformities which record the major phases of development. There is an underlying tectonic fabric which controls the basin development and sediment provenance, focus of heat flow, thermal maturity, mineralization and fluid movements. Recent studies indicate that the opening of the Atlantic and associated igneous doming and dykes has helped shaped the outcrop pattern, including the offshore.

Coal, iron, lead, zinc, salt and hydrocarbon deposits have long been developed. Now, some of these legacy industrial assets might even be repurposed as sources of geothermal heat and/or storage, seasonal gas storage, sequestration of CO2 or nuclear waste repositories.

Perhaps it’s time to rethink our approach to natural resources and see what contribution to the energy transition it is possible for them to make?

Joining instructions:

Non-members are welcome to join the talk, which will be delivered via Microsoft Teams. To obtain the joining link, Email the LGA Secretary (lga.sec@btinternet.com) no later than 24 hours before the talk is due to start.

The joining link will be sent out on the day of the talk.