Oil is notorious for its volatility. Often as an indicator for economic wellbeing, the commodity employs millions across the country. Entire communities in the western United States are centered around oil extraction, with employment, livelihoods, and revenues dependent on oil’s success. This combination of factors begs the question, how do...
The United States has enormous deposits of oil shale which, if developed, could provide energy resources for centuries. Because of the vast size of these deposits, they are currently receiving a great deal of attention. This issue of The ORE BIN is devoted to a discussion of oil shale --...
This thesis analyzes the emerging technology of hydraulic fracturing and shale gas extraction process through a pluralistic philosophical approach. Rather than defending traditional values in nature, such as intrinsic value, I defend a metaphilosophical pragmatism centered on policy implications. I argue that different philosophical positions will, most of the time,...
The rare earth elements (REEs) have been established as powerful tracers for a range of physiochemical processes occurring in the natural environment. They also hold significant economic importance as many technological advancements are reliant upon the REEs for their unique magnetic, luminescent, and electrochemical characteristics. In sedimentary settings, understanding the...
The Cretaceous was a period of extreme climatic conditions accompanied
by major perturbations in ocean-atmosphere biogeochemical cycles. One of the
most intriguing features is the sporadic interruption of normal marine pelagic
sediment deposition by organic rich sediments deposited during oxygen-deficient
conditions (ocean anoxic events OAEs). A current model for the...
Adequate lubrication is of the utmost importance in internal combustion engines. Low temperature operation with low-proof alcohol may create some operational problems if alcohol and or water accumulates in the crankcase oil. Condensates of unburned alcohol and water may be blown into the crankcase oil with blow by gases. The...
Groundwater is a vital resource and efforts must be made to protect its quality. In certain areas, its quality has been
threatened by the introduction of oil and gasoline, many times originating from underground storage tanks. Massachusetts has
directly reacted to this concern about groundwater quality by promulating a Massachusetts...