Overview and Status of Concentrating Solar Power Technologies by Thomas R. Mancini, Sandia National Laboratories. Thursday, 22 September 2011, 5 p.m.

Abstract: Concentrating Solar Power (CSP, aka solar thermal electric power) technologies utilize concentrating collectors to focus the sun's energy on a thermal receiver where the radiative heat is collected. CSP technologies do not generate electricity directly, as do photovoltaic systems, but use the collected thermal energy to drive heat engine/generators and produce electricity. To achieve economies of scale, CSP systems are generally large, utility-scale systems with capacities of 100 MW or larger.

In this seminar, we will explore the three basic system architectures of CSP technologies: line focus, parabolic troughs, point-focus central receivers or power towers, and point-focus distributed receivers – dish/Stirling systems. We will also review one of the "key" characteristics that some CSP systems are utilizing – cost effective thermal energy storage that allows for the dispatch of electricity as needed. Lastly, we will discuss the status of CSP deployments around the world and here in the U. S. While Spain currently leads the world in CSP deployments, there are more than 1.5 GW of CSP systems under construction in the Southwest U. S.

Introduction"Current views in Congress on the threats of global warming" by Senator Jeff Bingaman (by video)

Panel: Moderator: John Fleck, science writer, Albuquerque Journal
"The scientific evidence that growing carbon dioxide levels and global warming are largely of human origin" by Professor David Gutzler, UNM
"Predicted climate changes caused by global warming and their likely consequences" by Dr Mark Boslough, Sandia National Laboratory
"Obstacles standing in the way of addressing global warming - a business community perpective" by Mr. Jeff Sterba CEO(Ret) PNM

The Discovery and Significance of Diamonds From The Alps by Jane Selverstone, University of New Mexico . Thursday, 17 November 2011, 5 p.m.

Abstract: My colleagues and I discovered metamorphic diamonds in the Italian Alps in 2010. The diamonds occur in oceanic rocks that were subducted to a depth of approximately140 km and then brought back to Earth's surface along faults. The diamonds are the first ones to be found in the Alps and are also the first metamorphic diamonds to be found in rocks of clear oceanic origin. The diamonds occur in and are associated with fluid inclusions that were trapped during subduction. As a result, they provide us with direct information on mechanisms of fluid-mediated carbon transfer at depth in the Earth. I will provide an overview of Alpine geology, describe the discovery of the diamonds, and discuss the implications for carbon cycling at convergent plate boundaries.

Abstract: The Mission of Public Health in the United States of America is the fulfillment of society's interest in assuring conditions in which people can be healthy (Institute of Medicine). This mission can be daunting in an ever changing world with constant emerging threats and extreme resource limitations. This Lecture will discuss how public health works with communities, the medical establishment, and business to address health threats. The direction the field of public health is heading will be illustrated with lessons from the past as well as ongoing improvements including solicitation of community input and partnership. The importance of translating scientific results into policy that is communicated clearly to the public will be emphasized.

Spring 2012

Abstract:
The IPCC has used two distinct methods to support its conclusion of
significant anthropogenic global warming;

1. Comparison of observed and modeled patterns of atmospheric temperature
trends

2. Accounting for global surface temperatures with (some) natural and
(mostly) anthropogenic climate forcing

I will report on the current status of these efforts

The central issue is the cause of global warming: Is it natural or is it
manmade? While the IPCC claims to be 90 - 99% sure that the
warming of the late 20th century is anthropogenic, they have no solid
evidence to back up this claim. To the contrary, their own data argue
the opposite. I will also discuss chaotic uncertainties of climate
models and how to overcome them. Finally, I will report some news on
Climategate, Hockeystick -- and what we can say about the temperature
data of the 20th century.

Deepwater Horizon — a Case Study in Managing Risk by Donald C. Winter Thursday, 8 March 2012, 5 p.m.

Abstract:

The Deepwater Horizon Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit was preparing an exploratory well in the Mississippi Canyon region of the Gulf of Mexico when a blow out occurred, killing 11 workers on the rig and injuring 17 others. The well proved to be exceedingly difficult to control, resulting in a massive oil spill with significant environmental and economic consequences. The blow out occurred in spite of the use of multiple flow barriers and safety systems, highlighting the challenges posed by such low probability but high consequence events.

This lecture will review the status of the ongoing investigation into the causes of the blow out and will also examine some of the proposed approaches to avoiding such events in the future.

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