I am interested in application of geological techniques to environmental problems, particularly focusing on the issue of permeability in both tight and very transmissive systems. This interest has lead led me to work on diverse problems, from characterization of salt as a containment material to analysis of carbonate fabrics to better understand flow in karst aquifers. Currently I am leading a team in a field pilot CO₂ injection to assess the cost, safety, and effectiveness of geologic sequestration as a mechanism for reducing atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions (http://www.beg.utexas.edu/environqlty/co2seq/dispslsaln.htm). I also am working on several projects to evaluate recharge processes and karst permeability on the Edwards aquifer.

I also am committed to facilitating exchange between the applied scientists and citizens, focusing on middle school students (http://www.beg.utexas.edu/mainweb/edu01.htm).

Education

B.A. Geology, Earlham College, 1974

M.A. Geology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1981

Ph.D. Geology, The University of Texas at Austin, 1990

Professional History

Geologist, Bendix Field Engineering Corporation, Austin, Texas, April 1979–April 1981

Selected Publications

Hovorka, S. D., Mace, R. E., and Collins, E. W., 1998, Permeability structure of the Edwards aquifer, South Texas–implications for aquifer management: The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology Report of Investigations No. 250, 55 p.

Hovorka, S. D., 2000, Characterization of bedded salt for storage caverns—a case study from the Midland Basin: The University of Texas at Austin, Bureau of Economic Geology Geological Circular 00-1, 80 p.

Hovorka, Susan S. D., Martha M. L. Romero, Andrew A. G. Warne, William W. A. Ambrose, Thomas T. A. Tremblay, Ramon R. H. Treviño, and Douglas Sasson, 2000, Sequestration of Greenhouse greenhouse Gases in Brine Formations: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/environqlty/co2seq/dispslsaln.htm.

Hovorka, S. D., and others, 2002, BEG Resources resources for Teachers teachers and Students students: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/mainweb/edu01.htm.

Hovorka, S. D., C. Doughty, S. M. Benson, K. Preuss, and P. R. Knox, in press, Assessment of the impact of geological heterogeneity on CO₂ storage in brine formations: a case study from the Texas Gulf Coast: in Baines, S. J., J. Gale, and R. H. Worden, eds., Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide for Emissions Reduction: Technology, Geological Society of London Special Publication.

Selected Committees

Chairman, Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists Evaporite Research Group, 1988

Contact

Susan D. Hovorka, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Bureau of Economic Geology
The University of Texas at Austin
University Station, Box X
Austin, Texas 78713-8924
E-mail:
Telephone: 512-471-4863

Professional Summary (Word format)

June 2003