About the Project
Supervisors: Dr Zheng Zhou, Dr Greg Holland, Professor Yunpeng Wang, Dr Ben Surridge and Dr Peter Wynn
Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2), derived from the combustion of fossil fuels, is understood to be the key driving force behind the enhanced global warming effect. It is a serious issue facing the global community in the 21st century. One promising avenue of research for ameliorating the problem is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which is the process by which CO2 emissions from power stations and other industries can potentially be captured and pumped underground into naturally occurring fluid traps. By 2050, it is hoped that at least 40% of all annually produced anthropogenic CO2 can be stored in this way. Once pumped underground, CO2 can interact with the ground water, primarily via dissolution and remineralisation. These interactions are the key to validating (or otherwise) a site for use in CCS because the ultimate fate of CO2 and the timescale over which the processes operate determine whether it is safe to inject CO2 into natural reservoir systems. However, the role of groundwater and its capacity to store CO2 remain an open question. This project aims to develop isotope techniques to trace and model processes between CO2 and groundwater – critical information for the development of CCS as a CO2 storage technique.
Both stable C/O isotopes and noble gas isotopes will be applied in this project for quantifying the extent, both temporally and geographically, of CO2-groundwater interaction. A sampling campaign will be conducted in natural CO2 deposits in Sanshui basin, China. In addition, samples will be collected from geothermal groundwater systems in Weinan basin in China as well. All samples will be analysed at GIG-CAS or other institutes of Chinese Academy of Sciences for stable isotopes. Noble gas isotopes will be analysed at Lancaster University and Manchester University. The isotope data will be used to model CO2 and groundwater interaction. The work proposed here will provide novel and original scientific data that will enhance our understanding of geological sequestration of CO2 and its environmental impact to groundwater systems.
Further information: http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/sci-tech/downloads/phd_309.pdf
Academic Requirements: Master’s degree in Soil and Water, Geography, Environmental or Earth Sciences.
Start Date: As soon as possible or before July 2017.
For further information or informal discussion about the position, please contact Dr. Zheng Zhou ([Email Address Removed]).
Application process: Please upload a completed application form (download from
http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/contentassets/documents/lec/pg/LEC_Funded_PhD_Application_Form.docx)
outlining your background and suitability for this project and a CV at LEC Postgraduate Research Applications,
http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/lec/graduate-school/phd/apply-online/.
You also require two references, please send the reference form (download from
http://www.lancaster.ac.uk/media/lancaster-university/contentassets/documents/lec/pg/LEC_Funded_PhD_Reference_Form.docx)
to your two referees and ask them to email it to Andy Harrod ([Email Address Removed]), Postgraduate Research (PGR) Coordinator,
Lancaster Environment Centre by the deadline.
It is essential that you ensure references are submitted by the closing date or as soon as possible.
Funding Notes
FUNDING FOR THIS STUDENTSHIP IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO EU CITIZENS. DO NOT APPLY FOR IT UNLESS YOU MEET THIS ESSENTIAL CRITERION.
A monthly stipend at an average of ~£1100 (tax free) per month funded by EU and GIG-CAS for 36 months. Lancaster Environment Centre waives your tuition fee for 3 years. You will be responsible for your own writing up fees (£230 (2016/17) and living costs if you require a fourth year of study. Successful applicants will be encouraged to apply for further CAS funding, which is available through CAS University scholarships. Unfortunately studentships are not available to non-UK/EU applicants.
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