Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/R012385/1
Digital field mapping and 3D geological modelling: using emerging technologies to reduce uncertainty in geological models
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Dr CTE Stevenson, University of Birmingham, Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Birmingham, Sch of Geography, Earth & Env Sciences
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Natural Resource Management
- Science Topics:
- Carbon Capture & Storage
- Earth Engineering
- Earth Resources
- Geohazards
- Tectonic Processes
- Abstract:
- This training course will train a cohort of geoscientists in advanced 3D geological modelling and digital field mapping. These skills will allow our course participants to use cutting edge technology and highly bespoke geological modelling software and modelling methods to build on their existing geosciences training. The fundamental rationale that drives geological exploration is to provide resources, energy, foundations for infrastructure and understanding of potential hazards. Highly trained geoscientists are able to use their skills to use small fragments of data from boreholes, remote and geophysical data or data from surface mapping to generate detailed and complex 3D models of the subsurface geology. These geological models underpin the resources that go into accessing or exploiting these reserves, using the properties to plan infrastructure or building projects, or predicting and mitigating for the effects of potentially disastrous geological phenomenon. In other words geological modelling is vital to ensuring energy and resource security, providing raw materials for development and growth, finding new materials for emerging technologies and safe guarding society from natural disasters. However the weakness in any model is the uncertainty over interpretations made from areas or portions where data is sparse or ambiguous. Modern geoscientists use computer modelling to help to visualise 3D geological structures and processes rapidly, allowing them to interrogate these model iterations and arrive at a much more robust and therefore less risky (both financially and in terms of hazard prediction) model. However computer modelling is in itself a specialised discipline, so to harness the power of modern computing requires sympathetic collaboration between geologists and computer scientists. Over the last 10 years this kind of collaboration has produced a number of specialised computer modelling and interpretation packages that are now used as standard by various sectors in geosciences industry and adapted for academic research. At the same time, and now gathering momentum in UK geosciences higher education, geosciences training have made more and more use of relevant technologies. The current availability of mobile technology and GPS is revolutionising the practice of gathering geological data (which is mainly observational) in the field. Digital geological mapping is now entering the lexicon of geological training and the use of GIS and computer modelling are an important element of the internationally respected Geological Society accreditation for geology degrees. Our training partner, Midland Valley Exploration Ltd (MVE) , provide 3D geological modelling software, training and consultancy services to the mineral and energy exploration industry. Their principal product, Move, provides a range of geometrical and finite element modelling that permits model validation using geological data or forward modelling (essentially mimicking a geological process) to predict model parameters where data is sparse. The range of applications of this software span a huge range of geosciences disciplines from exploration to engineering. In addition, MVE has harnessed mobile technology and developed an application for tablets and smartphones that replaces the traditional paper map and notebook. The app based platform makes this system extremely accessible and presents an ideal opportunity to develop academic practices that will facilitate a change in culture in geosciences training to make better use of the available and emerging technology. This Industrial Strategy Training Course will enhance the training of geosciences early career researchers (PhD students and new lecturers), who have largely been trained using traditional methods, to enable them to adapt this geological training to take advantage of new and accessible technology.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/R012385/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- NPIF Training
This training grant award has a total value of £43,268
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Other Costs |
|---|
| £43,268 |
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