Project Info
Creating CO2 mineralization experiments with simultaneous collection of geophysical (acoustic and complex conductivity) data in the laboratory
Manika Prasad
mprasad@mines.edu
Project Goals and Description:
The Mines Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Innovation Center (MCIC) is hiring an undergraduate researcher in the Department of Geophysics to support our various carbon storage projects! This project, funded by the Department of Energy, explores aspects of CO2 storage in basalts and other reactive rocks to assess sensitivity of monitoring and modeling basalt interactions and physical property change due to CO2 injections. Specifically, we propose to assess the sensitivity of seismic and mechanical property changes while monitoring the chemical changes between the rock matrix and pore fluid mixture composed of brine and CO2. Of particular interest is the potential and capacity for permanent CO2 sequestration in layered basalts. However, some key questions around optimal lithology, reaction chemistry, reactive flow models, and seismic signatures of fluid saturations and matrix alterations remain unanswered. This research is designed to develop an understanding of the interactions of different basalt lithologies with CO2 and their effects on flow properties, storage capacity, and geophysical signatures.
More Information:
Grand Challenge: Develop carbon sequestration methods.
Detailed protocols and guides on experimental methods and procedures as available with the team (crusher.mines.edu).
Carbon Transport and Storage (https://netl.doe.gov/carbon-management/carbon-storage)
PERBAS: In search of safe carbon dioxide storage in offshore basalt rocks - GEOMAR - Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel
How it works - Carbfix
Primary Contacts:
Manika Prasad, mprasad@mines.edu | Athos Nathanail, athanasios.nathanail@mines.edu
Student Preparation
Qualifications
An eagerness to learn and for hands-on work, under guidance, with experimental setups. Any experience in a workshop or repairs (car, house, bicycle, pavements) is a plus.
TIME COMMITMENT (HRS/WK)
5 or more as per student interest and academic strengths
SKILLS/TECHNIQUES GAINED
(1) Developing research protocols grounded in frameworks of geophysical and geological principles. (2) Geological Carbon Storage methodologies including (a) Experimental safety and procedures; (b) Data quality check and data analysis techniques; (c) Model development and coding; (d) Data and result presentation techniques
MENTORING PLAN
This project uses a co-mentoring approach, in which team members can support each other at all levels – faculty, postdoc, and graduate students, depending on the skill, background, and expertise of each. The undergraduate student researcher will join this mentorship structure and will benefit from an opportunity to interact with a large multi-disciplinary team. The student will also be encouraged and mentored to develop individual research interests and projects.
Preferred Student Status
Sophomore
Junior
Senior