‘Earth Beneath Our Feet’ to be discussed at Tauranga Café Scientifique

Café Scientifique in Tauranga, organised by the University of Waikato’s Faculty of Science & Engineering, will discuss GNS Science’s ‘Earth Beneath Our Feet’ project.

The forum, presented by Bay of Plenty Regional Council Senior Environmental Scientist Janine Barber and GNS (Geological and Nuclear Science) senior groundwater scientist Paul White, will discuss how geological information stored by GNS is incorporated with regional council information from drilling activities to establish an underground map.

This combined information is being used to develop a web-based program where the public can gain information on the groundwater systems that underlie their city.

The ‘Earth Beneath Our Feet’ website will enable people to enter co-ordinates and gain a cross-section of an area which will show the connectivity between geological formations and the approximate depth that a water body can be intercepted.

Janine Barber has a background in Earth Sciences. She is experienced in groundwater research and analysis and has worked in the regulatory areas of councils in regard to consents and planning, both dealing with allocation of surface water and groundwater and discharges of water.

Paul White has 30 years’ experience in New Zealand groundwater resource assessment and has been the lead scientist for the groundwater evaluation projects for the Western Bay of Plenty and Rangitaiki Plains. He is also the project leader for the development of the ‘Earth Beneath Our Feet’ program.

Café Scientifique is a forum for debating science issues, where for the price of a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, anyone can come to explore the latest ideas in science and technology.

The Cafe Scientifique series aims to promote public engagement and make science accessible. Café Scientifique will be held on Monday 17 October, 7.30pm, Alimento, 72 First Avenue, Tauranga. For more information please visit: http://sci.waikato.ac.nz/cafescientifique/