ECOSSE

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ECOSSE Subsurface Science and Engineering
Earths subsurface provides many of the resources
that we require energy, water, minerals and a
storage capacity. It is also the source of major
threats, such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions
and rapidly-releasable greenhouse gases and
stored contaminants. To tackle these problems
requires an integrated and quantitative study of
the fundamental scientific processes involved and
an understanding of the practical measures that
can be undertaken to secure energy supply and
mitigate hazards, while at the same time
minimising our impact on the planet. To combine
expertise in subsurface Science and Engineering
to tackle some of the major challenges facing
society in energy, environment and resource
management. To generate new understanding about
the physical, chemical, structural, hydraulic,
and transport processes operating in the Earths
subsurface, and to apply the results into
practical applications that address societal
needs, including resource exploitation,
environmental protection, and amelioration of
threats arising from natural and man-made
processes.
Vision
Mission
Objectives
Thematic Programmes
1. Carbon Storage
2. Carbonate Reservoirs
Establishing a major centre of excellence in
understanding and managing carbonate reservoirs
(now containing some 60 of the worlds proven
oil and gas reserves) and aquifers (a primary
source of potable water in many arid areas).
Using multidisciplinary skills associated with
subsurface exploration and reservoir management
to ameliorate climate change through subsurface
storage.
4. Sub-surface Geosystems
3. Reservoir Imaging
Developing and improving our understanding of
petroleum systems to enhance petroleum recovery,
especially in the UK Continental Shelf.
Combining expertise to locate and quantify new
exploration, appraisal and development
opportunities.
Developing revolutionary new science and
technology to enable the subsurface to be
explored and monitored using geophysical data.
This involves detecting and quantifying new rock
and pore fluid properties, constraining currently
detected properties with greater certainty, and
informing advanced geological interpretation.
6. Enabling Technology
5. Reservoir modelling
Providing state-of-the art integrated
International-standard facilities for supporting
analytical, experimental and numerical research.
A big challenge is the fact that carbonates and
reservoir cap rocks are often difficult materials
to handle and maintain experimental control at
appropriate pressures and temperatures.
Improving the accuracy and utility of forecasting
the response of subsurface reservoirs to changes
induced by engineering practice. Integrating
expertise in numerical modelling and data
analysis, with a key aim being to quantify and
reduce uncertainty.
Exemplar Projects
The Scottish Carbon Capture and Storage
Consortium of 8 industrial sponsors is a
membership grouping where annual fees provide
support for ECOSSE PhD studentships and develop
two-way Knowledge Transfer links (450k).
RESURGE aims to use novel statistical forecasting
techniques to improve reservoir modelling and
understanding of the effects of geo- mechanics,
with funding from the DBERR, Schlumberger, and
Reservoir Dynamics Ltd. (432k).