Supernatural Geology?- debunking strange phenomenon in Ireland’s Aquifer Systems

There are some weird goings on in some of Ireland’s aquifers.  Unusual and unexpected hydraulic response patterns which leave project hydrogeologists scratching their heads.  Possible explanations to some events can be postulated, but other occurrences are more mysterious.  Disappearing water features and polar-opposite hydraulic responses in Ballyvaughan, strange pressure responses in the Sandstone in Belfast and sensationally strange dewatering results around a dolerite quarry in Co. Fermanagh, plus other oddities to examine and consider.

A supernatural tinged presentation based around a range of semi-weird case studies will introduce the audience to the general concepts and principles of the science of hydrogeology and will be of interest to anyone who wishes to find out more about applied hydrogeology, and for seasoned hydrogeologists who might be keen to offer their own interpretations of some of the abnormal data in the discussion session.  

David is a well know local hydrogeologist who has been working in the environmental consulting industry in the UK since 1992.  He is a graduate of the former Geology Department of Queens and returned to Queens in 2000 to compete a Masters in Environmental Engineering.  After graduating with an Honours Degree in Geology in 1992, David joined the renowned hydrogeological pioneer, Peter Bennett, in the first environmental consultancy to be based in Northern Ireland. Peter’s business was sold to WYG in 2002 and David struck out on his own in 2007.  He is Managing Director of McLorinan Consulting Ltd, better known as MCL Consulting, whose offices are proudly in Belfast. The company currently employs around 30 technical staff including geologists, hydrologists, ecologists, acousticians, civil engineers, waste management consultants, occupational hygienists and development / planning experts.  The company is a key local employer of science graduates and includes many local professional scientists involved in sustainable design, planning and the development sector.