Dates: May 3 and 4, 2012 at USGS Ice Core Conference Room, Denver Federal Center, Lakewood, CO
Objective:
The goal of this workshop is deploy new GeoSciML portrayal map services as part of a USGIN-sponsored OneGeology-United States collection of services.
Concept:
We are looking for participants from the State Geological Surveys and US Geological Survey who have geologic map data sets they are ready to publish as web map and feature services. The data must be in a digital data base format, ready for the necessary extract/transform/load processing to deploy the maps using the OpenGeospatial consortium Web Map service and Web Feature service. We request participants to arrive at the workshop with data and access to a map server (workshop examples will use ArcGIS server and GeoServer, see below on AASG arrangements for service hosting). In advance of the workshop, we will provide participants with tutorials on deploying GeoSciML map and feature services for OneGeology. Workshop sessions will review the service framework and procedure for preparing data, and then launch into hands-on sessions with participants working with their own data to map age and lithology properties for geologic units on their maps into the data integration categories (CGI Simple Lithology and IUGS ICS 2009 time scale), set up style files for their preferred symbolization scheme, generate GIS feature classes (PostGIS or ArcGIS geodatabase), and deploy live services configured to submit as OneGeology services.
The intention is to establish prototype web map and feature services for State Geological Surveys using USGIN and OneGeology Standards and Protocols to foster wider adoption of standard service-based publication of geologic map data and expansion of OneGeology USA services. Services will be demonstrated and experience from this technical workshop will be used as input for a follow-up USGIN Operations and Management Session later in the summer to discuss draft operation, charter, and work plan documents.
Background:
The US Geoscience Information Network (http://usgin.org) is an evolving network of geological survey data providers developing and utilizing standardized protocols for registering and publishing geoscientific information resources on the World Wide Web. Efforts to date have focused on developing the resource registration and catalog system, and feature services for the National Geothermal Data System (NGDS).
OneGeology is an international initiative of the geological surveys of the world, launched in 2007 with the goal of making dynamic geological map data for the world available to everyone via the web. View existing services via the OneGeology Portal. To learn more about the technical aspects of participation see Technical detail for participants and Getting Involved. For an online example of the kind of map service integration we are seeking, see the OneGeology-Europe portal.
Participants do not necessarily have to have their own operational map server; ‘buddy’ assistance from other Surveys may be arranged. If you are interested in locating a buddy to host your services, please contact the workshop organizers for further information.
Preparation:
Participants are requested to review these tutorial materials in advance of the workshop.
Deployment of geologic map services using GeoSciML-Portrayal
Content workbook for GeoSciML-portrayal services
One of the outcomes we are seeking is good quality guidance documents for setting up these services, so if you have any suggestions, comments, or edits for these documents, please submit them to steve dot richard at azgs dot az.gov.
We are also hosting a Webinar on April 17, 2012 from 10:30am to 11:30am PDT to review these documents. You must register for the webinar, information is provided below.
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Deadline: May 1, 2012
Impact
- Create the next generation of scientific leaders in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
- Attract the best scientists and engineers to pursue breakthrough technologies in a highly prestigious postdoctoral research program.
Opportunity
- Access to unique education and training opportunities, top scientists in their field, and state-of-the-art projects and equipment.
- Innovative technologies will be developed that will have a real impact on the economy by providing energy efficient and affordable technologies; in the environment by providing clean energy technologies; and in the quality of life for all Americans by enhancing their energy choices.
Details
- Research opportunities will be awarded to qualified applicants to work on collaborative applied research of mutual interest to the applicant, the host facility, and the EERE Program sponsoring the award.
- The award will provide an annual stipend, allowances for health insurance and research-related expenses, and limited reimbursement for relocation expenses.
- Annual Research Meeting for participants organized and hosted by EERE.
- The EERE Postdoctoral Research Awards are administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) in collaboration with EERE. ORISE is responsible for the implementation of the program, processing applications, the review and notification processes, and management of payments to participants.
For more information, please visit: www.eere.energy.gov/education/postdoctoral
Visit the Geothermal Technologies Program: www.eere.energy.gov/geothermal
From the American Geosciences Institute, Government Affairs Program Monthly Review December 2011 (http://www.agiweb.org/gap/email/review1211.html)
The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee passed four energy bills and approved a nomination in December. Arun Majumdar, current director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Energy (ARPA-E), was nominated by President Obama to fill the vacant position of Undersecretary of Energy at the Department of Energy (DOE) and approved by the committee on December 15. Majumdar’s nomination must now be approved by the full Senate.
After Majumdar’s nomination, the committee voted on and passed the 10 Million Solar Roofs Act of 2011 (S. 1108), the Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act of 2011 (S. 1142), the Geothermal Production Expansion Act of 2011 (S. 1149), and the Department of Energy Administrative Improvement Act of 2011 (S. 1160). Senator Bernie Sanders’s (I-VT) bill, S. 1108, would establish a program in DOE to provide competitive grants to local governments that have adopted best practices for solar permitting and sets a goal to install solar energy systems on at least 10 million U.S. properties by 2021. The Geothermal Exploration and Technology Act, sponsored by Senator Jon Tester (D-MT), would direct the DOE to create a direct loan program for geothermal wells in high risk or unexplored areas through the establishment of a Geothermal Investment Fund. The legislation further promotes the development of geothermal energy by directing DOE to conduct research and development (R&D) on geothermal heat pumps and to provide loans to install geothermal heat pumps designed to service large populations. Senator Ron Wyden’s (D-OR) bill, S. 1149, would increase the availability of federal geothermal resources by amending the Geothermal Steam Act of 1970 (30 U.S.C. 23) to allow adjacent lands of a previously granted lease to be made available for a noncompetitive lease at fair market value. Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Ranking Member Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) co-sponsored S. 1160 to require the Secretary of Energy to submit an annual report to Congress detailing DOE’s five fiscal year report of the department’s anticipated expenditures and proposed appropriations. The measure eases DOE’s ability to appoint “highly qualified scientists, engineers, or critical technical personnel…in the event of a severe shortage of candidates or a critical hiring need for particular positions.”
Are you attending the AGU this week? If so, stop by the AZGS & AASG State Geothermal Data booth (1136) to view the current State Geological Survey contributions to the National Geothermal Data System.
Oh, and did we mention we're hiring in Geoinformatics? Pick up a brochure at our booth to learn more - or drop off a resume.
If you're interested in searching the catalog directly through ESRI's ArcMap, AZGS now has an application for you! This application can access Catalog Services for the Web (CSW) through http://catalog.usgin.org/, http://portal.onegeology.org/ and http://geo.data.gov/ . The application can search and list the available services using key words. It can also add Web Map Services (WMS) directly into ArcMap.
The application is available for free on the USGIN Repository at http://repository.usgin.org/uri_gin/usgin/dlio/392. A tutorial on installing and using the application is available on the Tutorials site at http://usgin.org/content/sgd-csw-client-arcmap.
Enjoy!
The following events are seeking abstract submissions for geothermal related conferences/workshops:
AAPG 2012 Annual Convention & Exhibition, April 22-25, 2012 in Long Beach, CA
The Energy and Minerals Division of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists will hold a Geothermal Session under Theme 7: Alternative Energy chaired by W.C. "Rusty" Riese of Rice University and Stephen Testa of the California State Mining & Geology Board. The Geothermal Session Chair will be Richard Erdlac, Director of Energy Exploration at AccessEnergy. Abstracts should be related to the exploration, development and production, and economics of geothermal energy, especially as associated to production from sedimentary rock. These abstracts could discuss geothermal in sedimentary basins or in any region where sedimentary rock has provided the trapping mechanisms for geothermal resources. Of special importance would be papers that indicate how in-place oil/gas well assets can be converted to producing hot water for geothermal energy.
Abstracts are due September 22, 2011 and can be submitted online at http://www.aapg.org/longbeach2012/technicalprogram.cfm
37th Stanford Geothermal Workshop, Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2012 at the Frances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center in Stanford, CA
The workshop goals include bringing together Engineers, Scientists, and Managers involved in geothermal reservoir studies and developments; provide a forum for the exchange of ideas on the exploration, development, and use of geothermal resources; enable prompt and open reporting of progress. Scientists and engineers involved in geothermal reservoir technology are strongly encouraged to attend or present on case studies, Enhanced Geothermal Systems, Engineering Techniques, Field Management, Exploration, Drilling and Well Bore Flows, Low Enthalpy Systems, and Geosciences.
Abstracts are due October 7, 2011 and can be submitted online at http://pangea.stanford.edu/ERE/research/geoth/conference/workshop.html
Tracking an Energy Elephant: Science and Engineering Challenges for Unlocking the Geothermal Potential of Sedimentary Basins
An NSF Workshop
November 7-9, Salt Lake City, Utah
Please consider applying to attend this NSF-Sponsored workshop to explore the science and engineering challenges in tapping the geothermal heat stored within deep sedimentary basins for economic power generation. We plan to develop a list of basic research priorities and an overall strategic plan for overcoming these challenges. This workshop is one of a small number of workshops on various sources of sustainable energy that are being funded by NSF to serve as a guide to funding priorities in the upcoming NSF SEES program (Science, Engineering and Education for Sustainability). The workshop will be able to support approximately 30 applications for full expenses. A diversity of participants are sought from across the wide range of science and engineering disciplines that are needed to address this complex issue.
Presently, less than 1% of the energy grid in the United States derives from geothermal systems. The total amount of heat energy generated within the Earth, however, is enormous, and represents a sustainable source well beyond current or projected domestic energy needs. Sedimentary basins have the water, heat, and permeability needed to produce this energy on the gigawatt scales needed to impact the current level of energy consumption and have the important attribute of being well dispersed about the continent. Tapping this energy source requires a better understanding of natural and engineered geothermal systems within sedimentary basins. This workshop will focus on identifying the science and engineering research challenges that need to be surmounted in order to make this energy source a practical reality. We will produce a report outlining a research strategy that will be used to guide research funding though the SEES program, and will be publicly available to other interested parties.
If you have interest in adding your voice to this discussion, and potentially influencing future research and funding directions in geothermal power, please do consider joining us in Salt Lake. The workshop is by invitation and application only, but accepted participants will be covered for expenses.
Invitations from the applications will be sent starting September 26. For more information and to apply, go to http://www.SedHeat.org. Also, feel free to contact a convener
Workshop Conveners
John Holbrook, Texas Christian University
Walter Snyder, Boise State University
Joseph Moore, University of Utah
Charles Fairhurst, University of Minnesota
Herbert Einstein, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Karin A. Block, City College of New York
StateGeothermalData.org has received a makeover, adding functionality and improved communications for sub-recipients of the State Geothermal Data Project and the public. For the public, this site provides a comprehensive overview of the project, automatic feeds to the most up-to-date and relevant news on geothermal energy, and access to all publicly available data on the State Geothermal Data Project including Webinars, White Papers, and completed deliverables.
Members have the ability to access information on all stages of Data Delivery, including the data development cycle, technical discussions, user scenarios, vocabularies, and content model templates. They will also be able to login to access the member’s repository, forums, and to upload reports and deliverables. The recorded webinars and training, as well as presentations from various conferences and invited talks, will also be available to project members.
Employment opportunities related to the State Geothermal Project and National Geothermal Data System are also available on this site. Project members can submit postings directly on the site through the contact form.
The site is a work-in-progress and needs your feedback to help us accomplish the task of providing the most user-friendly website to the public and project members. Please feel free to share comments and suggestions by using our contact form.
Mailing List
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy under award DE-EE0002850 to the Arizona Geological Survey acting on behalf of the Association of American State Geologists.
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