Petroleum geologists may speak a language all their own, but Tuesday they hope to talk directly and plainly with the public.

A group of geoscientists and geologists will spearhead a free public forum from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Tulsa Southern Hills Marriott, 1902 E. 71st St. The forum is the culmination of the three-day Mid- Continent Section meeting of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Organizers hope to have audience of 1,000 people for the public forum. David Curtiss, national director of the AAPG's Geoscience and Energy Office, will moderate the panel.

"America's Energy Heartland, America's Energy Future" is the topic of Tuesday's public forum. The discussion will focus on world oil markets, new technologies in the field, the specter of peak oil, natural gas and the challenges of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The purpose is to counteract misconceptions about energy exploration, supplies and future options, AAPG forum committee chairwoman Edith Wilson said.

"We see a dearth of information available to the public that's really grounded in unbiased science, engineering and economics," Wilson said Monday. "We wanted to create an environment in which lay people, non-geologists, can have a better understanding of our business and how it affects their lives."

The Mid-Continent region extends from North Texas to Minnesota and includes Oklahoma, Arkansas and the Dakotas, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Significant oil and gas deposits are found in the Arbuckle Basin, Bakken Formation and Woodford Shale, among others.

Forum panelists

Participants in a forum at the american association of Petroleum Geologists conference will include:

Rod Nelson, communications vice president for Schlumberger Ltd.

Pete Stark of energy consultant IHS

James l. Smith, Southern methodist University energy economics professor and researcher

Art Green, retired chief geoscientist at Exxon Mobil Corp.

Rod Walton 581-8457

Originally published by ROD WALTON World Staff Writer.

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