From the bottom to the top: identifying natural geological linkages from deep formations to the surface

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.