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Institute Seminars

Each teaching semester, our institute invites scientists with diverse backgrounds and expertise in the field of geosciences to share their knowledge with its staff and students. Find out who is speaking at IGMG in the current semester here!

In person seminars will take place in Building IA, Room 01/473 at 16:00. For hybrid or completely online seminars a Zoom link will be sent to you beforehand via Moodle.

Winter Semester 2023/2024

Dr. Ben Tutolo
Dr. Ben Tutolo (University of Calgary)

IGMG seminar by Dr. Ben Tutolo University of Calgary

Title: Salty waters: Life’s origins and biological habitability on Earth and Mars

Abstract: How did life begin? It is a question so fundamental that it has been pondered since the dawn of human civilization. As scientists have sought answers to this question and its logical derivative – Are we alone in the universe? – a common strategy, “follow the water,” has emerged. In this presentation, I will discuss recent efforts to understand the vital role of solute-laden, “salty” waters in fostering habitability on ancient Earth and Mars. I will focus on the ways that water-driven geochemical reactions generate habitable conditions, and their potential for originating Earth’s first organisms. My discussion will be informed by intensive study of modern and ancient hydrothermal systems, geochemical and geophysical surveys of unique, saline lakes in British Columbia (Canada), and the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover’s ongoing exploration of Gale Crater, Mars.

The talk will be held Wednesday, the 10th of January, 2024 in building IA Room 01/473 at 4pm

Loes
Dr. Loes Buijze (TNO)

Title -  Hot Topics: Could geothermal energy production in the Netherlands lead to induced seismicity?

Abstract -  Geothermal energy production in the Netherlands is foreseen to increase over the coming decade, from a heat production of 6.4 PJ in 2021 to 11 – 15 PJ in 2030. One key question in the regulatory framework and license application is whether geothermal operations can lead to induced seismic events, such as those seen in relationship to hydrocarbon production. Geothermal operations in the Netherlands involve balanced circulation between two or three wells through porous sandstone formations at 2 – 3 km depth; similar sandstone formations as those hosting hydrocarbon plays. However, the operational aspects and mechanisms of stress changes are different compared to those active during hydrocarbon production. We have compared geological, operational and geomechanical aspects of geothermal versus hydrocarbon depletion, and compiled a stress magnitude database of the Dutch subsurface. In addition, we ran flow and geomechanical simulations to analyze the development of pressure and temperature changes, stress changes, fault reactivation and seismic rupture in a geothermal doublet. Specific emphasis is given to variations in fault strike and dip. Contrary to hydrocarbon production, where pressure changes are the biggest driver for stress changes in the reservoir, cooling of the rock volume around the injection well is the factor that dominates the stress response during geothermal operations. Cooling-induced stress changes can be significant; however the spatio-temporal signature of these stress changes is very different compared to that in hydrocarbon reservoirs. These differences are reflected in a different potential for (seismic) fault reactivation.

Venue and Date: 24/01/2024, 4pm in Room IA 01/473

Title - "High-entropy materials for and under extreme environments"

Date and Venue - 31st January 2024, Room IA 01/473

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