Periodic Reporting for period 2 - S2S-Future (SIGNAL PROPAGATION IN SOURCE TO SINK for the FUTUre of earth Ressources and Energies)
Reporting period: 2022-04-01 to 2024-09-30
Today Earth’s surface is the domain of complex interactions between humans and their physical, chemical and biological environments, including sediments. These sediments have been produced, transported and deposited on the Earth’s surface for a period of at least 4 billion years. Sediments contain geological resources (water resources, energy, aggregates, metals…) or may be a storage for different human wastes (CO2, nuclear, chemical) that are of primary importance for the development of humankind. The objective of this S2S-FUTURE ITN is to better predict the location, structures (heterogeneities) of the sediments and their mineralogical/physical properties (grain-size distribution, porosity, permeability, etc.). This will be achieved by full integration of the sedimentary system in space and time, from the upstream source of sediment to the downstream sink of sediments, known as the source-to-sink system (S2S), to meet the Planet’s needs in times of important and rapid global climate and societal changes.
Highlights:
• A strong European network of 12 academic and 10 industrial groups (enlarged since the beginning of the project);
• An ambitious training programme consisting of three major training events (summer institutes – around one month per year) taking place in northern Spain (“Dragonstone”), Norway-Switzerland (“Factory”) and Namibia (“Inside Africa”), with Tech-Labs and Soft-Labs, held by both academics and industrials;
• The development of new and innovative concepts, tools and numerical models for the prediction of sediments (reservoir and seals);
• An ambitious legacy of the project, consisting of the knowledge transfer to the industry and the creation of perennial yearly European summer school as well as of the S2S web portal.
Highlights:
• A strong European network of 12 academic and 10 industrial groups (enlarged since the beginning of the project);
• An ambitious training programme consisting of three major training events (summer institutes – around one month per year) taking place in northern Spain (“Dragonstone”), Norway-Switzerland (“Factory”) and Namibia (“Inside Africa”), with Tech-Labs and Soft-Labs, held by both academics and industrials;
• The development of new and innovative concepts, tools and numerical models for the prediction of sediments (reservoir and seals);
• An ambitious legacy of the project, consisting of the knowledge transfer to the industry and the creation of perennial yearly European summer school as well as of the S2S web portal.
The S2S-FUTURE project has achieved notable milestones in scientific research, training, and dissemination. The project was centred on understanding Source-to-Sink (S2S) systems by modelling sediment dynamics influenced by tectonic and climatic forces. The work was carried out through eight interlinked work packages, with contributions from multiple academic institutions, industry partners, and researchers. The efforts culminated in substantial advances in scientific knowledge, training of ESRs, and establishing a strong foundation for future collaborations and applications.
The research conducted by Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) has been highly innovative in the prediction of mineral resources related to weathering (laterites, but also calcretes) through the development of numerical modelling coupling weathering processes, geomorphology and hydrology (ESR14) or on the prediction of grain size in alluvial reservoirs (ESR15) with the merge of two cultures of numerical modelling (GFZ-Potsdam and Imperial College). For aggregates, ESR6 and ESR12, through the study of the Meuse terraces or a modern fan in Switzerland, develop new concepts on the role of the topography or on the effect of climate changes, on sediment textures. At another time-scale, predictions are the targets of ESR1, ESR2, ESR3, ESR9, with preliminary promising results (ESR 1 and 3) of the effect of mantle-related uplift on the evolution of S2S systems and the location and petrology of reservoirs.
All the ESRs used numerical models in their research work and the WP 4 “MODELS – Developing generic S2S models inspired by nature” was a transverse WP enhancing quantitative predictive modelling approaches for all the ESRs. All the ESRs, through the learning of the surface processes numerical model FastScape developed by J. Braun during the first week of the training event “Dragonstone”, now share a common knowledge on models. This has helped some of them in the implementation on new modules of FastScape (e.g. ESR1 for integrating escarpment constrains or ESR5 and ESR10 for simulating the amount of solutes due to chemical erosion).
The project also prioritized training and development, with 15 ESRs trained in multidisciplinary techniques and professional skills. Through the organization of comprehensive summer schools such as “Dragonstone,” “Factory,” and “Inside Africa,” ESRs gained field experience in locations like Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and Namibia. Workshops on seismic interpretation, sediment modeling, and grant writing prepared them for diverse careers in academia and industry.
Dissemination and networking were integral to the project’s success. ESRs actively presented their findings at international conferences such as the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly, contributing to global discourse on S2S systems. Their research was published in high-impact journals, covering topics such as sediment flux analysis, climate impacts, and human interactions with sedimentary systems. The project also established collaborations across academia and industry, fostering a vibrant research network. A final conference showcased the results to stakeholders and the broader scientific community, creating opportunities for future initiatives.
The research conducted by Early Stage Researchers (ESRs) has been highly innovative in the prediction of mineral resources related to weathering (laterites, but also calcretes) through the development of numerical modelling coupling weathering processes, geomorphology and hydrology (ESR14) or on the prediction of grain size in alluvial reservoirs (ESR15) with the merge of two cultures of numerical modelling (GFZ-Potsdam and Imperial College). For aggregates, ESR6 and ESR12, through the study of the Meuse terraces or a modern fan in Switzerland, develop new concepts on the role of the topography or on the effect of climate changes, on sediment textures. At another time-scale, predictions are the targets of ESR1, ESR2, ESR3, ESR9, with preliminary promising results (ESR 1 and 3) of the effect of mantle-related uplift on the evolution of S2S systems and the location and petrology of reservoirs.
All the ESRs used numerical models in their research work and the WP 4 “MODELS – Developing generic S2S models inspired by nature” was a transverse WP enhancing quantitative predictive modelling approaches for all the ESRs. All the ESRs, through the learning of the surface processes numerical model FastScape developed by J. Braun during the first week of the training event “Dragonstone”, now share a common knowledge on models. This has helped some of them in the implementation on new modules of FastScape (e.g. ESR1 for integrating escarpment constrains or ESR5 and ESR10 for simulating the amount of solutes due to chemical erosion).
The project also prioritized training and development, with 15 ESRs trained in multidisciplinary techniques and professional skills. Through the organization of comprehensive summer schools such as “Dragonstone,” “Factory,” and “Inside Africa,” ESRs gained field experience in locations like Spain, Norway, Switzerland, and Namibia. Workshops on seismic interpretation, sediment modeling, and grant writing prepared them for diverse careers in academia and industry.
Dissemination and networking were integral to the project’s success. ESRs actively presented their findings at international conferences such as the European Geosciences Union (EGU) General Assembly, contributing to global discourse on S2S systems. Their research was published in high-impact journals, covering topics such as sediment flux analysis, climate impacts, and human interactions with sedimentary systems. The project also established collaborations across academia and industry, fostering a vibrant research network. A final conference showcased the results to stakeholders and the broader scientific community, creating opportunities for future initiatives.
The S2S-FUTURE project has significantly advanced beyond the current state of the art in the study of Source-to-Sink (S2S) systems. By combining innovative field observations, numerical modeling, and multidisciplinary approaches, the project addressed complex geological and environmental phenomena. Research outputs have clarified how sediment transport, landscape evolution, and climatic or tectonic events shape S2S systems. Notably, the project revealed new insights into how rapid climate perturbations, such as the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), and tectonic dynamics, including mantle-driven uplift, influence sediment fluxes, sedimentary environments, and geomorphic responses over varying timescales.
One of the standout achievements was the development of advanced models that integrate grain size distributions, sediment transport, and weathering processes. These tools provide a novel framework for interpreting sedimentary archives and predicting sediment behavior under changing climatic and tectonic conditions. The project also explored the interplay between human activity and S2S systems, highlighting how anthropogenic interventions, such as dam construction, alter sediment flux and landscape stability. The integration of physical and chemical sedimentological approaches has been pivotal in capturing the intricate dynamics of S2S systems, with applications ranging from resource exploration to climate change mitigation.
Furthermore, the project's emphasis on training and collaboration has created a new generation of highly skilled researchers equipped with interdisciplinary expertise and industry-relevant knowledge. The establishment of lasting resources, such as the web portal and summer schools, ensures that these advancements will continue to benefit scientific and professional communities. The dissemination of findings through international conferences, publications, and public engagement initiatives has also enhanced awareness of S2S dynamics among stakeholders and the general public, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of geological processes and societal challenges.
One of the standout achievements was the development of advanced models that integrate grain size distributions, sediment transport, and weathering processes. These tools provide a novel framework for interpreting sedimentary archives and predicting sediment behavior under changing climatic and tectonic conditions. The project also explored the interplay between human activity and S2S systems, highlighting how anthropogenic interventions, such as dam construction, alter sediment flux and landscape stability. The integration of physical and chemical sedimentological approaches has been pivotal in capturing the intricate dynamics of S2S systems, with applications ranging from resource exploration to climate change mitigation.
Furthermore, the project's emphasis on training and collaboration has created a new generation of highly skilled researchers equipped with interdisciplinary expertise and industry-relevant knowledge. The establishment of lasting resources, such as the web portal and summer schools, ensures that these advancements will continue to benefit scientific and professional communities. The dissemination of findings through international conferences, publications, and public engagement initiatives has also enhanced awareness of S2S dynamics among stakeholders and the general public, fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of geological processes and societal challenges.