Vulcan Project Zeros In On Carbon Dioxide Emissions, Literally

Nov. 23, 2009

I recently came across the Vulcan Project, a project that aims to quantify North American fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions at space and time scales much finer than has been achieved in the past.

I recently came across the Vulcan Project, a project that aims to quantify North American fossil fuel carbon dioxide emissions at space and time scales much finer than has been achieved in the past.

A team led by scientists at Purdue University developed the maps and system, named Vulcan after the Roman god of fire. The system quantifies all of the carbon dioxide emissions that result from burning fossil fuels such as coal and gasoline. It is available at http://www.purdue.edu/eas/carbon/vulcan/GEarth/

Kevin Gurney, who leads the project, said Vulcan helps demystify the connection between fossil fuel use and climate change.

"This will bring emissions information into everyone's living room as a recognizable, accessible online experience," says Gurney, who is an assistant professor of earth and atmospheric sciences. "What was once the realm of scientists will now be provided directly to the public. We hope to eventually turn it into an interactive space where the public will feed information into the system to create an even finer picture of emissions down to the street and individual building level."

Traci Purdum
Senior Digital Editor

Sponsored Recommendations

Keys to Improving Safety in Chemical Processes (PDF)

Many facilities handle dangerous processes and products on a daily basis. Keeping everything under control demands well-trained people working with the best equipment.

Get Hands-On Training in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment

Enhance the training experience and increase retention by training hands-on in Emerson's Interactive Plant Environment. Build skills here so you have them where and when it matters...

Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector (Video)

See how Rosemount™ 625IR Fixed Gas Detector helps keep workers safe with ultra-fast response times to detect hydrocarbon gases before they can create dangerous situations.

Micro Motion 4700 Coriolis Configurable Inputs and Outputs Transmitter

The Micro Motion 4700 Coriolis Transmitter offers a compact C1D1 (Zone 1) housing. Bluetooth and Smart Meter Verification are available.