Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/C510940/1
Evaluating the Fundamental Controls on U/Th Series Radionuclide Transport in the subsurface.
Grant Award
- Principal Investigator:
- Dr D Porcelli, University of Oxford, Earth Sciences
- Co-Investigator:
- Professor S Shaw, The University of Manchester, Earth Atmospheric and Env Sciences
- Grant held at:
- University of Oxford, Earth Sciences
- Science Area:
- Freshwater
- Overall Classification:
- Freshwater
- ENRIs:
- Pollution and Waste
- Natural Resource Management
- Global Change
- Science Topics:
- Pollution
- Earth Resources
- Hydrogeology
- Soil science
- Abstract:
- The evolution of the surface environment is controlled by water/rock interactions, from the highly reactive soil profiles, to the extended processes in aquifers. Models for determining the rates of the processes involved have been developed using the distributions of naturally occurring isotopes of U, Th, Ra, Pb, and Rn, and these models have become essential tools for providing rate information. A wide range of research programs are actively utilizing these models. These include studying the development of soils and the rates of chemical and mechanical weathering of watersheds. In groundwater studies, information is obtained regarding groundwater flow and aquifer weathering, as well as transport of trace elements in the subsurface. Records of past rates, reflecting variations due to climate change, have been preserved. Also, information is obtained about mobility not only of the naturally occurring elements, but also chemically similar contaminants such as Uranium and Plutonium. An overall problem, however, is that many of the assumptions that are used by the model have not been tested, and there are some indications that modifications may be necessary. This project therefore involves a series of controlled laboratory experiments that will test these assumptions and provide alternative ways of modelling the behaviour of the elements used in the models. A key result will be new models that incorporate the laboratory results and provide more reasonable evaluations of the subject areas.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/C510940/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Standard Grants Pre FEC
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Standard Grant
This grant award has a total value of £212,682
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Staff | Total - T&S | Total - Other Costs | Total - Indirect Costs | Total - Equipment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £102,274 | £3,078 | £11,728 | £47,045 | £48,559 |
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