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Understanding the formation, movement, and host-rock interaction of upper crustal aqueous fluids on Earth, from rock grain to tectonic plate scale

Objective

Fluids play a critical role in the evolution and chemical modification of the Earth’s crust. They control heat and mass transfer, mineral reactions, and deformation processes. The movement and physio/chemical interaction of aqueous geofluids with rocks in the Earth’s upper crust is thereby fundamental for critical raw material mineralisation and the formation of geothermal fluid flow systems. With the rapidly increasing global demand for raw materials, the EU faces significant challenges regarding its dependencies on access to raw materials. Fluid movement in the upper crust is, by its nature, controlled by an interaction of physical and chemical processes that can operate from the tectonic plate to the microscopic ‘rock grain’ scales. Fully understanding these complex systems inherently requires a multidisciplinary/multiscale approach using cutting edge structural geology, mineralogy/petrology, geochemical and geophysical tools. ForMovFluid proposes to adopt new and existing laboratory and field techniques in these geoscience sub-disciplines to address key knowledge gaps related to fluid flow drivers, pathways, and fluid/rock reactions. In doing so, the objective of ForMovFluid is to train 15 doctoral researchers in cutting edge geoscience field and laboratory techniques and broader professional skills to develop future leaders in the field. This will contribute significantly to addressing the climate emergency by developing novel solutions for the energy transition that hinges on enhanced access to hydrothermal-hosted critical metal deposits, as highlighted in the EU Critical Raw Materials Act. The aims of ForMovFluid are to further our understanding of the movement and physio/chemical interaction of aqueous fluids with rocks in a variety of tectonic settings in the Earth’s upper crust, and to establish a long-term pan-sector research network that will go on to contribute to European geofluid research and to underpin Europe’s raw material and geothermal sectors.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Keywords

Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Funding Scheme

HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-DN - HORIZON TMA MSCA Doctoral Networks

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Call for proposal

(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-DN-01

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Coordinator

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE CORK - NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND, CORK
Net EU contribution
€ 859 464,00
Address
WESTERN ROAD
T12 YN60 Cork
Ireland
Region
Ireland Southern South-West
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
Links
Total cost
No data

Participants (4)

Partners (7)