133 Geology Programs in an Environmental Science World
This session explores ways to better promote geology degree programs as relevant and essential at a time when environmental science degree programs are flourishing while many geology programs are being closed.
Monday, 20 October 2025
1:30 PM - 5:30 PM
HBGCC, 301B
Nuclear Energy Industry Expansion Provides Opportunities for Interesting and Technically Challenging Geosciences Expertise
Paper number: 133-10
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 4:05 PM – 4:20 PM
Authors
Abstract
Renewed interest and support for new nuclear plant development provide a significant opportunity for geoscience experts in the applied areas of site characterization, geohazard risk analyses and licensing support. These nuclear industry opportunities require sophisticated and detailed interdisciplinary evaluations spanning the range of geosciences and specifically including geology, seismology, geophysics, geotechnical engineering, and environmental studies.
Nuclear regulations and prudent practice set a high bar for these evaluations with significant field and office data collection and implementation of new and emerging technologies. The need for detailed and complete hazard characterization and risk quantification drives research in areas such as earthquake source and ground motion model development, geologic and geotechnical hazard mapping and risk assessment, remote sensing and monitoring, and construction mapping.
Several nuclear projects provide examples of the application of geosciences work and applied research:
· Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in central California – earthquake hazard evaluation and applied research
· Bellefonte Nuclear Power Plant in northwest Alabama – limestone karst hazard
· Humboldt Bay Independent Spent Fuel Storage Installation in northern California – tsunami risk
Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6
doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-412227
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