Ensuring Sustainable Development of Shale Gas Transmission Infrastructure by Applying State-of-the-Art Methods in Geomorphology

A boon in shale gas transmission infrastructure (SGTI) is underway due to the importance of shale gas as a critical global energy resource that can pave the way toward energy independence in the U.S. Because of its importance, it is critical to develop SGTI in responsible and sustainable ways by mitigating risks associated with geological hazards, while simultaneously evaluating potential environmental impacts resulting from SGTI development. The authors describe a robust set of quantitative and qualitative geomorphic methodologies that rely on state-of-the art data and methods for evaluating geological hazards related to SGTI development. The methods include: (1) high-resolution spatial and temporal monitoring of (potentially) active slopes in true three-dimensional (3D) space; (2) high-precision and accurate measurements of both modern and long-term erosion rates at the basin-scale; and, (3) the application of paleoflood hydrology for improving flood hazard evaluations.