- Risk reduction

Using new high-resolution seismic reflection data, generated by offshore surveys, the project studies the sedimentary environments preserved below the seabed of the North Sea. The research analyses how the submerged landscapes of the North Sea evolved over the past 500,000 years, allowing us to build detailed maps of former land surfaces and understand the complex depositional environments and the structure of the sediments. This gives wind farm companies the valuable insights needed for positioning new turbines securely on the variable sediments and mobile sea floor. Lead researcher: Prof Dave Hodgson, the Stratigraphy Group.

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 reservoir performance in faulted carbonate rocks for geothermal, hydrocarbon and CCS applications. Lead researcher: Prof Quentin Fisher.

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.

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

The Shallow Marine Research Group focuses on cutting-edge applied shallow marine research, with emphasis on characterisation of subsurface sedimentary architecture to provide a better understanding of issues related to environmental geology, hydrocarbon systems, mining and mineral exploration, appraisal of groundwater aquifers 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 researcher: Prof David Hodgson, Prof Nigel Mountney.

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

Traditional heating using non-renewable energy resources contributes up to 50% of 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 Hydrology Group

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, Ores and Mineralisation Group.

The focus of this project are the mechanisms of alkaline plume generation at near-surface conditions from inactive and potentially radioactive concrete structures and cementitious rubble and soil from UK nuclear sites. The interaction of this high pH leachate with adjacent soils and the mechanisms of alkalinity attenuation (e.g., carbonation, mineral dissolution) are investigated, in addition to the effects of the imposed pH conditions on the leaching and mobility of contaminant metals and radionuclides present. Lead researcher: Dr Ian Burke, Cohen Geochemistry Group.

For on-shore carbon sequestration, there has been a significant drive to integrate satellite interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) with geomechanical modelling to link surface deformation with the movement and storage of injected CO₂. The project analyses the surface deformation resulting from CO₂ storage at InSalah site, Algeria, in order to provide constraints on the temporal and spatial evolution of CO₂ within the reservoir. This study provides the first practical assessment of CO₂ storage and demonstrates that it is possible to develop independent, fast and cost-effective assessments of future schemes in the absence of ground-based surveys. The ability to scrutinize CCS sites globally based on limited input data and cost effectively is crucial for implementation of international monitoring of CO₂ sequestration agreements. Lead researcher: Prof Andrew Shepherd.

This EPSRC knowledge transfer project is a collaboration between the University of Leeds, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and the Department for International Trade. The project aims to start to integrate circular economy into offshore wind infrastructure design, operation and end-of-use management. A series of outputs will be delivered such as industry and government events, policy and practice briefings, and a framework for circular economy in offshore wind and baseline of current “circular” practices. It also supports knowledge exchange across low-carbon energy and oil & gas and offshore wind sectors, and prepares the ground for a 5-year joint industry partnership on circular economy and wind systems.  Lead researcher: Dr Anne Velenturf.