Details of Award

NERC Reference : NE/Z504014/1

Groundwater Observation By InSAR in the Gobi Desert (GOBI)

Principal Investigator:: Dr Q Ou, University of Edinburgh, Sch of Geosciences
Co-Investigator:: Dr S Moulds, Imperial College London, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Grant held at:: University of Edinburgh, Sch of Geosciences

Abstract:: This project aims to build a new model to incorporate satellite radar data into groundwater applications by translating surface deformation measurements into groundwater flow paths and fluxes. This requires subsurface structures and total water storage changes constrained by geophysical imaging, satellite gravity, and hydrological measurements. We have pulled together a brand-new interdisciplinary partnership with colleagues specialising in geodesy, hydrology, hydrochemistry, and geophysics. This partnership allows us to conduct a proof-of-concept study in the Gobi Desert. We will use our prior velocity mapping with the Sentinel-1 data to guide our data collection and fieldwork in China which will be led by our Chinese partners and joined by the UK partners. We will also welcome the Chinese partners to the UK to co-develop the model using the most comprehensive geodetic, hydrological, and geophysical datasets. We will organise workshops in both the UK and China to expand our networks on groundwater science and management and foster long-term stakeholder partnerships and wider applications.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £86,113

DI - Other Costs	Indirect - Indirect Costs	DA - Investigators	DA - Estate Costs	DA - Other Directly Allocated	DI - T&S	Exception - T&S
£672	£17,195	£21,682	£8,844	£578	£21,580	£15,562

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