From the bottom to the top: identifying natural geological linkages from deep formations to the surface
Lead Research Organisation:
British Geological Survey
Department Name: Environmental Modelling
Abstract
Linkages from deep geological formations to the surface in England have been known and exploited throughout recorded history. Since the 1960s, the UK has enjoyed the benefits of a domestic supply of oil and gas but most of the focus and much of the production has been from offshore reserves. Onshore oil production, though it exists, has received much less attention until recently, with the potential for commercial exploitation of onshore oil and gas (OOG) from shales and other tight formations. Appropriate regulatory control and protection of the environment and human health will be crucial to any successful exploitation of these opportunities and will rely on understanding the risks of these operations based on sound scientific evidence. Unfortunately our current knowledge of existing natural linkages is incomplete, either because the data doesn't exist, or more likely because it hasn't been compiled appropriately. Potential pathways that will be examined include faults, unconformities, sedimentary linkages, karst systems, boreholes, mineshafts and mines.
The project proposes to use the National Geological Model, in particular the GB3D Bedrock Fence Diagram (http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/ukgeology/nationalGeologicalModel/GB3D.html compiled by the British Geological Survey in conjunction with the Environment Agency) and other data sources and models to develop a national model that will support regulation of the OOG industry, thereby ensuring environmentally sustainable exploitation. The project will follow a staged approach starting with an extensive user consultation, the establishment of the methodology and the cataloging of nationally available datasets and models. The data and models will be synthesised in a three-dimensional Geoscience Information System to develop a prototype source - pathway - receptor analysis tool. This tool will be tested in real world scenarios, and a delivery system enabling the dissemination of the information to a wide range of users will be developed building on successful BGS technology such as the Geology of Britain Viewer http://www.bgs.ac.uk/discoveringGeology/geologyOfBritain/viewer.html, the BGS Groundhog GSIS http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/environmentalModelling/groundhogDesktop.html and the Aquifer Shale Separation application http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/groundwater/shaleGas/aquifersAndShales/maps/separationMaps/home.html.
The project proposes to use the National Geological Model, in particular the GB3D Bedrock Fence Diagram (http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/ukgeology/nationalGeologicalModel/GB3D.html compiled by the British Geological Survey in conjunction with the Environment Agency) and other data sources and models to develop a national model that will support regulation of the OOG industry, thereby ensuring environmentally sustainable exploitation. The project will follow a staged approach starting with an extensive user consultation, the establishment of the methodology and the cataloging of nationally available datasets and models. The data and models will be synthesised in a three-dimensional Geoscience Information System to develop a prototype source - pathway - receptor analysis tool. This tool will be tested in real world scenarios, and a delivery system enabling the dissemination of the information to a wide range of users will be developed building on successful BGS technology such as the Geology of Britain Viewer http://www.bgs.ac.uk/discoveringGeology/geologyOfBritain/viewer.html, the BGS Groundhog GSIS http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/environmentalModelling/groundhogDesktop.html and the Aquifer Shale Separation application http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/groundwater/shaleGas/aquifersAndShales/maps/separationMaps/home.html.
People |
ORCID iD |
Holger Kessler (Principal Investigator / Fellow) |
Description | The Environment Agency have very limited access to NERC data and information. This is partial due to technical issues but more often a case of lack of awareness and knowledge. Strategies to overcome this are being developed. Personal contact with teams is key - training programs have been delivered - area meetings are planned - lines of communications are very well established now. Mapping and Modelling Framework Contract and MoU between EA and BGS now signed. |
Exploitation Route | They will inform future NERC and BGS products/data delivery and knowledge exchange strategies. |
Sectors | Construction,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Energy,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice |
Description | Better access to and awareness of NERC/BGS data and information to facilitate better environmental decision making (not limited to Oil and Gas regulation) Commissioned research to understand subsurface have started (Yorkshire, North London and Oil and Gas fields in Lincoln and Weald) Comms teams are better connected and sharing knowledge BGS software (Groundhog) now being rolled out across EA Increased contacts between organisations generally, including using space at BGS Keyworth |
First Year Of Impact | 2016 |
Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Digital/Communication/Information Technologies (including Software),Education,Energy,Environment,Government, Democracy and Justice |
Impact Types | Societal,Economic |
Description | Better use of BGS data, models and knowledge to regulate the subsurface |
Geographic Reach | National |
Policy Influence Type | Influenced training of practitioners or researchers |
Impact | Better communication of geosciences to the public |
Description | won substantial external income from the EA since Internship |
Amount | £500,000 (GBP) |
Organisation | Environment Agency |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 01/2010 |
End | 03/2022 |
Description | EA Framework Contract for Geological Services |
Organisation | Environment Agency |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Public |
PI Contribution | framework contract for geological services - mainly for 3D geological models for groundwater management |
Collaborator Contribution | 3D geological models and associated training |
Impact | national and regional 3D geological models |
Start Year | 2016 |
Title | BGS Groundhog Desktop GSIS |
Description | BGS Groundhog Desktop GSIS (desktop geoscientific information system) is a graphical software tool developed by the environmental modelling directorate of BGS for the display of geological and geospatial information such as interpreted (correlated) geological cross sections, maps and boreholes. |
Type Of Technology | Software |
Year Produced | 2016 |
Impact | 1000 plus downloads, increasing use in Universities, industry and at the Environment Agency as a result of the Internship |
URL | http://www.bgs.ac.uk/research/environmentalModelling/groundhogDesktop.html |