2022
Cornell University Borehole Observatory (CUBO) Drilled
Drilling of the Cornell University Borehole Observatory (CUBO) to nearly 2 miles (3 km) depth began in June 2022 and persisted through the summer months. Details of the geological conditions and emerging understanding of the potential that rocks under Cornell can serve as a reservoir for geothermal heat are updated regularly at the Deep Geothermal Heat website.
2021
Education and Outreach in Support of CUBO and Earth Source Heat
The Cornell University Borehole Observatory (CUBO) is an opportunity to inform the public about both geology and the challenges to be overcome if we are to achieve wide transformation of the existing energy system. The CUBO project and Earth Source Heat project also require thoughtful response to questions and concerns. Videos, animations, FAQs, public town halls and teaching materials and training for K-12 teachers are under development and in progress.
2020
$7.2M grant funds exploratory research into Earth Source Heat
Cornell has secured a U.S. Department of Energy grant, expected to total about $7.2 million, which will fund exploratory research – in the form of a 2-mile-deep borehole – to help verify the feasibility of using a novel geothermal energy system to heat its campus buildings.
‘Borehole of opportunity’ attracts international scientists
An international collective of scientists gathered at Cornell to discuss collecting research data from the proposed Earth Source Heat test well in Snee Hall, Jan. 8-10.
Exploring by Boring: Geothermal Wells as Research Tools
As part of an effort to develop a geothermal energy source beneath its campus, Cornell University is planning to probe the “boring” old continental crust upon which many people live.
Prior to 2010
Faculty brief Congressional staff on carbon sequestration
Professors Johannes Lehmann and Teresa Jordan briefed Congressional staff on carbon sequestration and how it can enhance Earth’s environment at 10 a.m. July 13 in Washington, D.C. (July 12, 2010)
New Arctic exhibit comes on eve of Cornell’s two-year-old pact with Paleontological Research Institution
As the Paleontological Research Institution ends its second year of formal affiliation with Cornell, a new photography exhibit of the natural beauty and the fragility of Alaska’s Arctic slope is to be featured at the institution’s Museum of the Earth.