Events & Courses

A geological hazard (geohazard) is the consequence of an adverse combination of geological processes and ground conditions, sometimes precipitated by anthropogenic activity. The term implies that the event is unexpected and likely to cause significant loss or harm. To understand geohazards and mitigate their effects, expertise is required in the key areas of engineering geology, hydrogeology, geotechnical engineering, risk management, communication and planning, supported by appropriate specialist knowledge of subjects such as seismology and volcanology. There is a temptation for geoscientists involved in geohazards to get too focused on the ‘science’ and lose sight of the purpose of the work, which is to facilitate the effective management and mitigation of the consequences of geohazards within society.

The study and assessment of geohazards into the wider social context, helping the engineering geologist to better communicate the issues concerning geohazards in the UK to the client and the wider public.

Course overview

This course is ideal for geoscientists who are geoengineers, geotechnical experts or those who work in contaminated land. It is also useful for those who are in parallel sectors.

This course series comprises of fifteen modules, providing a comprehensive understanding of various Geological hazards, typically UK hazards. Modules can be booked individually or as a full programme package.

Each module is structured to give a presentation which sets the scene for the specific hazard, followed by discussion to develop understanding of the monitoring and the various elements which contribute to possible mitigation.

Each module is focused on a particular Geohazard.

Course module

Module 9. Radon & Methane Gas Hazards

Radon is a heavy, radioactive, geogenic gas with no colour, smell, taste, or flammability.  Radioactive means that its nucleus spontaneously decays to a lighter element while emitting radiation.  Rn-222 (radon gas) is the most stable among the radon isotopes with a half-life of 3.8 days, decaying from Ra-226 in the U-238 series. Rn-220, with a half-life of 55.6 s, belongs to the Th-232 series and Rn-219, with a half-life of 3.96 s, belongs to the U-235 series.  Radon gas derives from uranium, which is ubiquitous through all types of rock and soil minerals.  A portion of radon escapes from mineral grains and, as an extremely low chemically reactive gas, it escapes the ground according to permeability.

Radon is a concern because it is the deadliest geohazard in the UK after being estimated to cause about 1,100 deaths per year (3.5% of all lung cancers).  Outdoors radon gas dilutes to very low levels (4 Bq/m3) However, radon level indoors can build up to high concentrations (above 200 Bq/m3), posing a serious risk to health.  The radon gas moves from the ground into the house due to the lower pressure and higher temperature indoors. The amount entering varying with time of day, week and season, and according to several factors, such as, geology, weather, type and condition of house and life style (for example the amount of ventilation). 

Early detection of high indoor radon levels is essential. Therefore, the British Geological Survey (BGS) and Public Health England (PHE) have produced a series of maps showing radon affected areas based on underlying geology and indoor radon measurements.  The radon map shows the likelihood of a house exceeding the UK action level (200 Bq/m3).  Most of the country has a probability less than 1%, with higher probabilities in granitic areas, particularly south-west England and in some limestone areas (largely due to high permeability and proximity to black shales). 

Remedial work can be undertaken to reduce the passage of radon into existing houses, while new houses can be built to prevent the building-up of indoor radon.

Speaker

Amy Juden Associate at The Environmental Protection Group Ltd

Amy is an Associate at The Environmental Protection Group Ltd where she specialises in ground gas risk assessment.  She is a Chartered Geologist and is enthusiastic about providing efficient and innovative risk assessment and remediation solutions for sites with complex ground conditions. Amy has recently authored new ground gas guidance to be published by NHBC and serves as a judge for the Brownfield Awards.  Amy graduated with MSci in Geological Sciences from The University of Cambridge in 2012. She has been working in the geoenvironmental industry for over ten years.

Registration

Registration will close 24 hours before the session takes place.

Concessionary Rates & Student Registration

We offer students a generous discount, please verify your student status by either registering with your student email address, or upload a photograph of your student identification/ acceptance letter.

The society offers a limited number of concessionary rates for those in financial hardship. Please contact [email protected] (please note you may be required to provide details/evidence to support your application for this rate).

Book the full course series

Book all 15 modules as a package with the Full Course option and enjoy a discount.

Book the full course series plus Special Publication

Book all 15 modules as a package plus Special Publication Geological Hazards in the UK: Their Occurrence, Monitoring and Mitigation by registering for the Full Course option and selecting the book package on the registration form.

Fellow	£60
Non Fellow	£80
Student	£12

We can offer bespoke discounts on group registrations of 5 or more. Please email [email protected] to enquire.

Alternatively, if you book all 15 modules it includes a discount.

Venue

These courses will be held virtually over Zoom between 16.00 GMT and will run until approximately 17.30 GMT depending on audience participation.

Delegates will receive joining instructions the day before they take place.

Register now