Continued: ESRI
The research program is a good fit with the university’s commitment to sustainability, said Dr. Stephen Kresovich, the university’s vice president for research and graduate education.
“Sustainability is a way of life at the University of South Carolina, and our efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions unite faculty, students and staff,” he said.
“This research award makes a strong statement about our green philosophy,” he said. “Being part of this major national research program of the U.S. Department of Energy is proof that our faculty are competing successfully for grants that will impact global climate change. They will be key players in advancing the scientific knowledge needed to reduce the environmental damage of carbon emissions.”
Moreover, the research has potential for significant commercial applications. Once scientists prove the viability of carbon capture and storage, industries will be developed around this new field of environmental protection, said Shafer.
“We believe that the results from this research program could have a significant economic impact on our state and region within the next few years,” he said.
Other Carolina researchers involved in the study are Michael Waddell of ESRI and Dr. James Knapp and Dr. Camelia Knapp from the department of earth and ocean sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. Additional members of the research team are from the S.C. Geological Survey, University of Illinois, Weatherford Laboratories of Houston and Bay Geophysical Inc. of Traverse City, Mich.