Join us for an upcoming seminar featuring mathematics faculty and invited speakers on one of our seven research topics. You may also see upcoming seminars by topic:
Mathematical Strategies for Regional Natural Resource Assessments with Examples for Geothermal Energy
STAG 112
Applied Mathematics and Computation SeminarSpeaker: Erick Burns
Abstract: Under the Energy Act of 2020, the U.S. Geological Survey is tasked with completing assessments for five geothermal resource types: conventional geothermal, enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), low-temperature heating and cooling resources, underground thermal energy storage, and the potential for co-production of conventional hydrothermal with critical minerals. The mathematical tools employed for these assessments range from data-driven methods (e.g., Machine Learning) to process-based physically motivated models, with methods selected to capitalize upon what is known from past study. The goal is to make a best estimate of the resource along with estimates of uncertainty, typically using Bayesian paradigms. The reality of data often conflicts with the idealized assumptions of the underlying mathematical strategies, and understanding the math helps the practitioner understand and address bias (e.g., the use of regularization). As methods become increasingly complex and… Read more.