Events & Courses

In May 2006, a new mud volcano erupted adjacent to an exploratory gas well in eastern Java. Colloquially called LUSI (Lumpur Sidoarjo), the mud volcano is unlike naturally occurring mud volcanoes, as it has until recently maintained continuous and high mud flow-rates at high temperatures. Although there is much debate amongst geoscientists about the cause of the mud volcano, it is the social and economic impact that is of greatest importance to the many thousands of people made homeless and to the economy of the area.  David Shilston’s talk will describe LUSI, its evolution, its impact, and what can be said about its future development.

Speaker

David Shilston (GSL President and Atkins UK)

David Shilston has some 35 years’ experience of civil engineering and geological projects in the UK and many countries overseas.  Apart from his general working knowledge of civil engineering, geotechnics, geology and geomorphology, David has specific expertise in the assessment and management of geohazards, including landslides & erosion, collapsing ground, seismic hazards and  problems encountered during the construction and operation of projects.  David has undertaken due diligence assessments and appeared as an expert witness in construction disputes, including disputes concerning power stations (Java and Finland), an airbase (Bahrain), and highways in Trinidad and Africa. David is the first engineering geologist to have been elected President of the Geological Society of London.