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.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry inorganic compounds
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences hydrology hydrogeology
- natural sciences mathematics pure mathematics geometry
You need to log in or register to use this function
Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
-
H2020-EU.4. - SPREADING EXCELLENCE AND WIDENING PARTICIPATION
MAIN PROGRAMME
See all projects funded under this programme
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowships (IF)
See all projects funded under this funding scheme
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-WF-2018-2020
See all projects funded under this callCoordinator
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.
MSD 2080 MSIDA
Malta
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.