Press Release 021/2009

From Abundance to Panic

International Forum and Geo-Colloquium at KIT: Geophysicist Nur Analyzes the Consequences of Dwindling Petroleum and Natural Gas Resources
Oelbohrinsel
Petroleum resources are dwindling – the consequences are subject of a
presentation at the KIT.
(Photo by: Erik Christensen)

Shortage of natural gas and the increase in the prices of hydrocarbons give rise to the question of how long petroleum and natural gas reserves will suffice. This question will be covered by the geophysicist Amos Nur from Stanford University at the International Forum of the ZAK | Center for Applied Cultural Science and Studium Generale on Monday, March 9, 20.15 hrs, at the Großer Hörsaal der Bauingenieure (Reinhard-Baumeister-Platz 1, building No. 10.50). The presentation is part of the first geo-scientific colloquium taking place at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

Under the title “From Petroleum Abundance to Petroleum Panic”, Professor Nur will present new ideas concerning the thesis of the scientist M. K. Hubbert from Stanford University (USA), according to which the peak of petroleum extraction (oil peak) was reached by the year 2005. Afterwards, Hubbert expected the extraction volume to decrease with decreasing reserves. Nur analyzes the worldwide per-capita consumption of petroleum that is closely related to the living standard. Increasing prosperity in developing countries like China and India, for instance, causes an increase in consumption of petroleum. At the same time, extractable petroleum resources in the world are dwindling. This development constantly causes disputes between petroleum-exporting countries and consumer countries.

The first Geo-KIT Colloquium “Future of Rock Physics” will not only include this evening presentation, but a workshop of a whole day. Among others, Amos Nur will speak about the increasing significance of rock physics. Professor Friedemann Wenzel from the KIT will focus on perspectives of research relating to the technology of disaster management. According to the initiator of the Geo-KIT Colloquium, Professor Karl Fuchs from the KIT, it is the objective “to give prominent, internationally excellent geo-scientists the opportunity to exchange ideas and experience with the KIT and the KIT geo-scientists”.

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is the merger of the Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe, member of the Helmholtz Association, and the Universität Karlsruhe. This merger will give rise to an institution of internationally excellent research and teaching in natural and engineering sciences. In total, the KIT has 8000 employees and an annual budget of 700 million Euros. The KIT focuses on the knowledge triangle of research – teaching – innovation.

The Karlsruhe institution is a leading European energy research center and plays a visible role in nanosciences worldwide. KIT sets new standards in teaching and promotion of young scientists and attracts top scientists from all over the world. Moreover, KIT is a leading innovation partner of industry.

For further information, please contact:

Klaus Rümmele
Public Relations and Marketing (PKM)
Phone: +49 721 608-8153
Fax: +49 721 608-5681
E-mail

ele, March 06, 2009
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Chief Press Officer
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