OFF-GROUND | Topographically-driven fresh groundwater flow in offshore carbonate platforms.

Summary
Carbonate platforms are geologically complex 3D structures. Their hydrogeology has been investigated via conceptual models, sand box experiments and numerical models. Most of these models are hypothetical, 2D in nature, and based on simplistic assumptions on flow processes and geological characteristics. Recently, topographically-driven meteoric groundwater has been proposed as a key player in driving fluid circulation in carbonate platforms, both onshore and offshore. This project is dedicated to building representative 3D geological and hydrogeological models of offshore freshened groundwater in the Malta Plateau, to specifically address the following questions: what is the 3D geometry, scale and rate of fluid circulation in carbonate platforms, at present and during sea level lowstands? What are the main controlling factors? What are the key processes driving fluid circulation in carbonate platforms, at present and during sea level lowstands? What is the role played by topographically-driven meteoric groundwater? Addressing these knowledge gaps is important for the future use of offshore freshened groundwater as a source of potable water, and provide insights into diagenetic processes. During this research I will have the possibility to widely expand my geoscience knowledge, from Oil & Gas to Water, too, both during the time I will spend working at University of Malta, as host organization, as well as during my secondment c/o Geomar, in Germany. I will dedicate myself to disseminate the results of my research through specific planned actions, and I expect to mature a CV and a research experience strong enough to allow me to start a new carrier in the academic/research world in the near future, based on my previous experience in the industry and on the new skill I will learn.
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More information & hyperlinks
Web resources: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101038076
Start date: 02-05-2022
End date: 04-08-2024
Total budget - Public funding: 160 049,28 Euro - 160 049,00 Euro
Cordis data

Original description

Carbonate platforms are geologically complex 3D structures. Their hydrogeology has been investigated via conceptual models, sand box experiments and numerical models. Most of these models are hypothetical, 2D in nature, and based on simplistic assumptions on flow processes and geological characteristics. Recently, topographically-driven meteoric groundwater has been proposed as a key player in driving fluid circulation in carbonate platforms, both onshore and offshore. This project is dedicated to building representative 3D geological and hydrogeological models of offshore freshened groundwater in the Malta Plateau, to specifically address the following questions: what is the 3D geometry, scale and rate of fluid circulation in carbonate platforms, at present and during sea level lowstands? What are the main controlling factors? What are the key processes driving fluid circulation in carbonate platforms, at present and during sea level lowstands? What is the role played by topographically-driven meteoric groundwater? Addressing these knowledge gaps is important for the future use of offshore freshened groundwater as a source of potable water, and provide insights into diagenetic processes. During this research I will have the possibility to widely expand my geoscience knowledge, from Oil & Gas to Water, too, both during the time I will spend working at University of Malta, as host organization, as well as during my secondment c/o Geomar, in Germany. I will dedicate myself to disseminate the results of my research through specific planned actions, and I expect to mature a CV and a research experience strong enough to allow me to start a new carrier in the academic/research world in the near future, based on my previous experience in the industry and on the new skill I will learn.

Status

SIGNED

Call topic

WF-03-2020

Update Date

24-11-2024
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Horizon 2020
H2020-EU.4. SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION
H2020-EU.4.0. Cross-cutting call topics
H2020-WF-03-2020
WF-03-2020 Widening Fellowships