Tectonics and structural geology encompasses the study of deformation, faulting, Earth’s structure and tectonic processes across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
Societally, tectonics and structural geology research is important for nuclear waste disposal, geothermal energy, understanding of geohazards, carbon capture and storage, underground hydrogen storage, critical minerals, and resilient infrastructure. Policymakers require science-based evidence when making decisions to address these societal challenges, often in the presence of incomplete data and scientific uncertainty. As a division, our research spans a large range of spatial and temporal scales, allowing us to provide constraints on, for example, the formation and distribution of critical raw minerals, the recurrence of geohazards, the long-term stability of nuclear waste storage, and the suitability and safety of subsurface storage.
In this session we hear from Tectonics and Structural Geology researchers who have engaged with policymakers, as well as from policymakers who work with scientists and scientific evidence. This session aims to demonstrate the wide-ranging societal relevance of the Tectonics and Structural Geology division and shed light on the process of translating scientific knowledge into policy and decision making.
These talks will be followed by time for discussion where we invite members to ask questions and share their views on the future direction of our field. We invite the community to reflect on the rewards and challenges of engaging with science for policy, how scientific uncertainty is communicated and incorporated into decisions, and the broader societal applications of our research.
Abstracts by invitation only.