Related Research Projects

Smart assessment, management and optimisation of urban geothermal resources (SmartRes)

Geomechanics of Fractured Geothermal Aquifers

The goal of the project is to assess the deep geothermal potential of the Early Carboniferous limestone aquifer in the UK, where fractures control porosity, permeability, and fluid flow. Thus, this work aims to develop a new understanding of subsurface fluid flow as a function of fracture pattern development and response, using outcrop and well data integrated with numerical modelling of fluid flow in stressed fracture networks. Lead researchers: Prof David Healy, Nick Shaw, Dr Mohamed Gouiza.

Learn more about the project.

Carbonate reservoir characterisation

The key aim of Carbonate Fault Rock Group is to create a step change in modelling the impact of faults on fluid flow in carbonate rocks. This has been achieved through a combined approach of new experimental work, data mining and integration of petrophysical and mechanical property analysis with microstructural analysis of fault rocks obtained from outcrop and core to identify the key geomechanical controls on fault rock properties, as well as their impact on fluid flow. The research helps predict the performance of geothermal reservoirs in faulted carbonate rocks. Lead researcher: Prof Quentin Fisher.

REMIS - Reliable Earthquake Magnitudes for Induced Seismicity

The primary objective of this project is to develop a new method for imaging the Earth more effectively, enabling the creation of specific, testable hypotheses about Earth processes and structure. This will lead to new recommendations to improve monitoring and high-value decision-making for the future of induced seismicity in the UK and worldwide, and as a consequence, our ability to utilise the subsurface for future decarbonisation. Lead researcher: Dr Andy Nowacki.

Characterisation of flow regimes for shallow geothermal heat

This project focuses on understanding the flow zonation and the seasonal major ion geochemistry of the Northern Chalk Aquifer. The flow zonation is studied using open-well dilution testing, while the geochemistry is investigated through the use of loggers in springs and spring water sampling. Knowledge of ambient well flow velocities and flow patterns enables the vertical hydraulic characterisation of depth intervals in wells, which is required for effective planning of future geochemical sampling, contaminant tracking, remediation activities, pumping test campaigns, and shallow geothermal heat pump installations. Lead researcher: Dr Jared West, Rock Mechanics, Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology Group.

Geological characterisation of shallow marine sediments

The Shallow Marine Research Group focuses on cutting-edge applied shallow marine research, with an emphasis on characterising subsurface sedimentary architecture to provide a better understanding of issues related to environmental geology, hydrocarbon systems, mining and mineral exploration, groundwater aquifer appraisal, and carbon sequestration. The research programme covers the following sedimentary environments and reservoir types: deltas, estuaries, paralic wave- and tide-dominated shorelines and clastic shelves. Lead researchers: Prof David Hodgson and Prof Nigel Mountney.

Geological characterisation of fluvial and aeolian sediments

The principal aim of The Fluvial and Eolian Research Group is to conduct cutting-edge research into the application of fluvial and aeolian sedimentology, aiming for a better understanding of issues related to environmental geology, hydrocarbon systems, mining and mineral exploration, groundwater aquifer appraisal and carbon sequestration. This applied-facing research group seeks to devise new methodologies in subsurface geological characterisation. The group operates as a Joint Industry Project. Lead researcher: Prof Nigel Mountney.

Stability analysis of shafts used for minewater heat recovery

Traditional heating using non-renewable energy resources contributes up to 50% of the current carbon emission level. The water in abandoned mines provides an alternative source of thermal energy that can be extracted through newly drilled boreholes or existing mineshafts. Heat recovery through this mechanism may affect the structural stability of the mineshafts; therefore, this project aims to ensure successful and sustainable operation through numerical sensitivity analyses on: (a) water level, (b) temperature fluctuations. Lead researcher: Dr Chrysothemis Paraskevopoulou, Rock Mechanics, Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology Group

The evolution of natural geothermal systems

The magmatic-hydrothermal systems that form the economically-viable gold deposits are complex, and there remain significant gaps in understanding of how these systems evolve, particularly in the periods of, and between, ore genesis. This study aims to elucidate the physico-chemical conditions of the hydrothermal fluids that facilitate ore deposition in certain parts of an evolving magmatic-hydrothermal system. Understanding the evolution of such natural geothermal systems is crucial in predicting the sustainability of geothermal reservoirs. Lead researcher: Dr Dan Morgan, Leeds Ores and Mineralisation Group.

Characterisation of low permeability sandstone reservoirs

A key aim of Petrophysics of Tight Gas Sandstone Reservoirs (PETGAS) is to consolidate existing petrophysical data supplemented by new standard and special core analysis to create an atlas of the petrophysical properties of tight sandstones. This provides new insight into the controls of the petrophysical properties (e.g., diagenesis, grain-size, stress etc.), and stress dependency of permeability and relative permeability of tight sandstones. The research helps characterise tight sandstone reservoirs for gas, geothermal and CCS applications. Lead researcher: Prof Quentin Fisher.