Carbon dioxide characterisation in the ground gas environment
Carbon dioxide naturally occurs in soils, natural gas, peat and coal. If any of these absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they emit, they are known as carbon sinks.
Project leader
Dr Jean Hall
Professor David Manning
Mr John Martin, TerraConsult Ltd
Dates
2012-2015
Project staff
Dr Jean Hall
Professor David Manning
Partners
TerraConsult Ltd
Description
An accumulation of carbon dioxide in soils arises via a combination of biological and geological processes. Perturbation of the natural system can occur by human activities.
These human activities include:
- mining
- groundwater abstraction/recharge
- waste disposal
- underground carbon sequestration
The mechanics of soil respiration is poorly understood due to complexity of processes.
This project worked in partnership with TerraConsult Ltd.
It addressed the behaviour of carbon dioxide in soils. Its primary focus was on monitoring carbon dioxide in the ground gas environment.
The aim was to develop a widely-applicable conceptual model of carbon dioxide in the ground gas environment.
It devised field sampling and monitoring methodologies that allow the detection and quantification of anthropogenic carbon dioxide. This aided the understanding of the natural system.