Harnessing energy from magma in New Zealand: Physical and chemical processes

Climate change, rising global populations, increasing energy consumption, and depletion of oil and gas reservoirs mean the utilisation of renewable energy resources, such as geothermal energy, is becoming increasingly important. Volcanism and geothermal activity are intimately linked, and volcanically active countries such as New Zealand have led the way in the development of technologies that utilise the substantial heat from magma.

Many geothermal reservoirs utilised for heat and power production rely on open fault and fracture networks through which to transport geothermal fluids. Both the physical and chemical interactions between the fluid and rock are crucial to sustain their ability to channel geothermal fluids, and yet these processes, and their interactions, are not well understood.

Project Aims and Methods:
This project asks how coupled processes of fluid flow and rock deformation associated with fluid-filled fractures impacts the productivity of geothermal wells. You will use analogue and fluid-rock interaction experiments coupled with field observations to explore fluid flow, rock fracturing and rock displacement processes that occur in geothermal reservoirs. Collectively these approaches will enable you to identify strategies that will facilitate improved monitoring of geothermal systems within the context of their evolution.

You will use the latest technological advances in geological analogue modelling at the University of Liverpool’s MAGMA Laboratory to constrain the dynamics of fluid-filled fracture propagation and arrest in fractured crustal media. Using techniques such as laser imaging, particle image velocimetry and digital image correlation, you will develop a modelling framework to link the laboratory observations with datasets from active and ancient geothermal fields.

Fluid-rock interaction experiments will generate synthetic veins that will be studied using microanalysis techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction, to characterise the fracture scaling processes operating under variable flow dynamics.

The project will include a UK-based field component, where the host-rock damage around magmatic intrusions and associated mineral veins will be mapped and sampled to compare the experimental products with their natural counterparts.

Impact, Knowledge and Skills Development:
You will become a member of the postgraduate research community in the Department of Earth, Ocean & Ecological Sciences at the University of Liverpool. The project includes a 3-month placement at GNS Science in Taupō, New Zealand, where you will work with experts in volcanology and geothermal energy research. During your placement you will learn how geothermal fields are monitored in New Zealand and apply your dyke propagation and mineral scaling research to the Ngatamariki Geothermal Field, one of 23 geothermal systems within the Taupo Volcanic Zone, whose geothermal activity is thought to originate from an intrusive magmatic complex.

Further Information & Eligibility:
Previous laboratory and/or field experience would be useful along with reasonable numeracy/computing skills. Candidates from underrepresented groups and candidates who have followed a non-traditional education path are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.

For further information about the project, applicants should contact Dr. Janine Kavanagh: [Email Address Removed]

To apply for the opportunity, please visit: https://app.askadmissions.co.uk/AYApplicantLogin/fl_ApplicantLogin.asp?id=liv