GEOL3357: Tectonic Processes and Renewable Geo-resources

• GEOL2011 Structural Geology and Tectonics

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• To train students in scientific research methods, critical thinking, communication and evaluation, by adopting a research-led teaching approach.
• To understand how tectonic and structural processes (e.g., fracturing, faulting, seismicity) affect the sustainable and safe exploitation of renewable geo-resources alternative to fossil fuels (e.g., geothermal energy, hydrogen storage, carbon capture storage).

• Principles of rock, fault and earthquake mechanics.
• Deformation experiments and estimating the rocks physical and mechanical parameters.
• Mechanics and deformation mechanisms of active fault zones: creeping vs. seismic faults.
• Fault zones and crustal fluid flow.
• Operational concepts of geothermal energy, hydrogen storage and carbon capture storage systems.
• Reservoir property uncertainties and sustainability of renewable geo-energy systems.
• Induced seismicity and safety of renewable geo-energy systems.
• Research frontiers student-directed analysis and discussion of renewable energy case studies (e.g., induced earthquakes) in the context of current research.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• To understand how rock fracturing and faulting control the evolution of the physical properties and fluid flow in geologic reservoirs.
• To understand how fault zone structure, deformation processes and fluid flow control induced seismicity during fluid injection in geologic reservoirs.
• To understand how reservoir property and tectonic processes affect the sustainable and safe exploitation of renewable geo-resources.

Subject-specific Skills:

• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills necessary to plan, conduct and report on laboratory projects.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills in order to apply geological principles and methodologies to the solution of familiar and unfamiliar problems.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to synthesise information/data from a variety of sources.
• Will have acquired intellectual and practical skills to analyse, evaluate/interpret geological and geophysical data.

Key Skills:

• Critical analysis, research capability: Receive and respond to a variety of information sources.
• Practical competency: Prepare, process, interpret and present data using appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques and packages.
• Independent learning, numeracy, IT skills, information skills, literacy.
• Initiative and drive, innovation and creativity, problem solving.

• The module is delivered through one term of one hour-lectures and two-hour practicals, supported by handouts, directed reading and web-based materials.
• The practical sessions form an important component of the module allowing hands-on learning and experience of solving graphical- and numerical-based problems, which help re-enforcing the application of key concepts introduced during lectures.
• The assessment will require students to solve 1 practical exercise question requiring the solving of graphical and numerical-based problems, similar to those dealt with during the practical sessions. Students will be required to answer 1 question from a set of questions based on the topics covered during the lectures, requiring an essay type answer. The class test is non open book.
• Formative assessment is provided in practical tests with feedback.
• Guidance on preparation, key and exam skills are provided.

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