Numerical schemes for fluid flow in complex rock geometries rely on comparison with existing empirical data for their validation. Such data, when available, are generally limited to non-unique, bulk measurements of properties such as hydraulic conductivity and permeability and are not adequate to fully validate complex numeric schemes. This project, funded under the NERC Micro-to-Macro Thematic Programme, focuses on the development of an experimental system to fully quantify velocity fields throughout synthetic two dimensional heterogeneous media, providing high resolution data for the validation of numerical models of fluid flow in complex geometries. A full overview of the project is available from the project web site.

The Development of General Molecular Environmental Tracers.

Characterising flow and transport pathways is central to understanding many environmental systems, especially in the sub-surface where information on structure is limited and must be inferred from limited borehole measurements and remote sensing. Tracer deployment in these systems provides valuable information on structure and connectivity although most of the technologies that are currently available include hazardous chemical and radioactive compounds that cannot be used for aquifer characterisation or in any situation where contamination of water supplies is possible. In addition, the non-uniqueness of these tracers means that repeat studies of an area are affected by residue from previous deployments.

This project, funded by Invest NI and NERC, is focused on the development of an environmentally benign molecular tracer technology which will replace and improve significantly on what is currently available both in terms of the sophistication of the technology and the environmental neutrality of the tracers.