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Topographically-driven fresh groundwater flow in offshore carbonate platforms.

Project description

New models could shed new light on the geology of carbonate platforms

Carbonate platforms are geologically complex 3D structures that can represent good reservoirs for freshwater resources. However, most models that describe their hydrogeology are 2D and based on simplistic assumptions about flow processes and geological characteristics. The EU-funded OFF-GROUND project aims to build representative 3D geological and hydrogeological models of offshore freshened groundwater in the Malta Plateau. The study will shed new light on the 3D geometry, scale and rate of fluid circulation and determine how topographically-driven meteoric groundwater could represent a future source of potable water.

Objective

Carbonate platforms are geologically complex 3D structures. Their hydrogeology has been investigated via conceptual models, sand box experiments and numerical models. Most of these models are hypothetical, 2D in nature, and based on simplistic assumptions on flow processes and geological characteristics. Recently, topographically-driven meteoric groundwater has been proposed as a key player in driving fluid circulation in carbonate platforms, both onshore and offshore. This project is dedicated to building representative 3D geological and hydrogeological models of offshore freshened groundwater in the Malta Plateau, to specifically address the following questions: what is the 3D geometry, scale and rate of fluid circulation in carbonate platforms, at present and during sea level lowstands? What are the main controlling factors? What are the key processes driving fluid circulation in carbonate platforms, at present and during sea level lowstands? What is the role played by topographically-driven meteoric groundwater? Addressing these knowledge gaps is important for the future use of offshore freshened groundwater as a source of potable water, and provide insights into diagenetic processes. During this research I will have the possibility to widely expand my geoscience knowledge, from Oil & Gas to Water, too, both during the time I will spend working at University of Malta, as host organization, as well as during my secondment c/o Geomar, in Germany. I will dedicate myself to disseminate the results of my research through specific planned actions, and I expect to mature a CV and a research experience strong enough to allow me to start a new carrier in the academic/research world in the near future, based on my previous experience in the industry and on the new skill I will learn.

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

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MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)

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Call for proposal

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(opens in new window) H2020-WF-2018-2020

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITA TA MALTA
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 160 049,28
Address
TAL OROQQ
MSD 2080 MSIDA
Malta

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Region
Malta Malta Malta
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 160 049,28
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