What factors lead to sinkhole formation in the Permian Basin of western Texas? This region has significant economic importance because of its rich deposits of petroleum, natural gas, and potassium. So understanding the factors involved in sinkhole formation is of interest not only geologically but also economically.
Gwen Loeber reports on her past and ongoing research on Texas Sinkhole development. In 2021 through mid-2022, she focused on geological analysis at Wind Sinks and Boehmer Lake. A particular focus during 2022 will be the effect of improper wellbore closure on land subsidence and sinkhole formations primarily caused by salt dissolution in the Permian Basin.
Gwen graduated in 2022 with a degree from the George Washington University (GWU) School of Business in Washington, DC, and a minor in geology. Her continuing geological research is funded in part by the Mineralogical Society of Washington, DC through its 2022 Foshag-Hronik-Dhyse-Payne Student Research Grant, with Dr. Richard Tollo, GWU professor of geology, as advisor.
Gwen Loeber presented to MSDC on June 1, 2022. Dr. Richard Tollo also made a presentation that evening and added perspectives on some of the many questions from the enthusiastic audience questions.
11 сен 2024
