Tech Sessions Speaker Series: Pieter Vermeesch

Tech Sessions Speaker Series: Pieter Vermeesch

BEG Friday Seminar Series

Matthew W. Becker, Ph.D
Professor of Geology and Conrey Chair in Hydrogeology
Department of Geological Sciences, California State University Long Beach

Abstract:
The heterogeneous flow of fluids in fractures is a common challenge for enhanced oil recovery, geothermal circulation, and groundwater remediation systems. The cubic relationship between fracture aperture and flow rate, compounded by complex fracture network connectivity, leads to flow channeling, diversion, or short circuiting. We have been experimenting with periodic hydraulic tests as an economical and effective method for predicting flow heterogeneity and inter-well hydraulic connectivity. The propagation of a periodic signal through the formation follows preferential hydraulic pathways. Monitoring the amplitude and phase shift of the periodic signal at multiple wells can indicate the presence of high permeability flow paths (fairways) or hydraulically isolated zones. Following a brief summary of fluid flow in fractured rock systems, results from numerical simulations and field experiments will be presented. The field experimental site is unique in that flow paths can be imaged using surface ground penetrating radar. Channeling evident in the radar images confirmed the hydraulic connections measured by periodic hydraulic tests and tracer experiments. Potentially, periodic hydraulic methods could be used to test alternative structural mechanical models given sufficient pressure data.

Tech Sessions Speaker Series: Pieter Vermeesch

BEG Friday Seminar Series

Matthew W. Becker, Ph.D
Professor of Geology and Conrey Chair in Hydrogeology
Department of Geological Sciences, California State University Long Beach

Abstract:
The heterogeneous flow of fluids in fractures is a common challenge for enhanced oil recovery, geothermal circulation, and groundwater remediation systems. The cubic relationship between fracture aperture and flow rate, compounded by complex fracture network connectivity, leads to flow channeling, diversion, or short circuiting. We have been experimenting with periodic hydraulic tests as an economical and effective method for predicting flow heterogeneity and inter-well hydraulic connectivity. The propagation of a periodic signal through the formation follows preferential hydraulic pathways. Monitoring the amplitude and phase shift of the periodic signal at multiple wells can indicate the presence of high permeability flow paths (fairways) or hydraulically isolated zones. Following a brief summary of fluid flow in fractured rock systems, results from numerical simulations and field experiments will be presented. The field experimental site is unique in that flow paths can be imaged using surface ground penetrating radar. Channeling evident in the radar images confirmed the hydraulic connections measured by periodic hydraulic tests and tracer experiments. Potentially, periodic hydraulic methods could be used to test alternative structural mechanical models given sufficient pressure data.

UTIG Seminar Series: Jessica Tierney, WHOI

"Past and Future Climate Change in the Horn of Africa"

Abstract:

The Horn of Africa is a geopolitically volatile region that is highly vulnerable to climatic change. A recent decline in rainfall in the region has led some to speculate whether global warming will lead to more frequent drought. However, others maintain that the decline is a feature of internal climate variability. Establishing which interpretation is correct is critical for future predictions of food security in the region. Here, I’ll present new paleoclimate records that give us a first look at recent past changes in rainfall and temperature in the Horn of Africa. Interpreted in the context of CMIP5 historical and future climate simulations, these data change our view of future climate change in the region and question our ability to accurately simulate regional climate in East Africa. Future climate change will likely act as a threat multiplier in the Horn region, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities associated with political instability, terrorism, and piracy.

Tech Sessions Speaker Series: Pieter Vermeesch

BEG Friday Seminar Series

Matthew W. Becker, Ph.D
Professor of Geology and Conrey Chair in Hydrogeology
Department of Geological Sciences, California State University Long Beach

Abstract:
The heterogeneous flow of fluids in fractures is a common challenge for enhanced oil recovery, geothermal circulation, and groundwater remediation systems. The cubic relationship between fracture aperture and flow rate, compounded by complex fracture network connectivity, leads to flow channeling, diversion, or short circuiting. We have been experimenting with periodic hydraulic tests as an economical and effective method for predicting flow heterogeneity and inter-well hydraulic connectivity. The propagation of a periodic signal through the formation follows preferential hydraulic pathways. Monitoring the amplitude and phase shift of the periodic signal at multiple wells can indicate the presence of high permeability flow paths (fairways) or hydraulically isolated zones. Following a brief summary of fluid flow in fractured rock systems, results from numerical simulations and field experiments will be presented. The field experimental site is unique in that flow paths can be imaged using surface ground penetrating radar. Channeling evident in the radar images confirmed the hydraulic connections measured by periodic hydraulic tests and tracer experiments. Potentially, periodic hydraulic methods could be used to test alternative structural mechanical models given sufficient pressure data.

UTIG Seminar Series: Jessica Tierney, WHOI

"Past and Future Climate Change in the Horn of Africa"

Abstract:

The Horn of Africa is a geopolitically volatile region that is highly vulnerable to climatic change. A recent decline in rainfall in the region has led some to speculate whether global warming will lead to more frequent drought. However, others maintain that the decline is a feature of internal climate variability. Establishing which interpretation is correct is critical for future predictions of food security in the region. Here, I’ll present new paleoclimate records that give us a first look at recent past changes in rainfall and temperature in the Horn of Africa. Interpreted in the context of CMIP5 historical and future climate simulations, these data change our view of future climate change in the region and question our ability to accurately simulate regional climate in East Africa. Future climate change will likely act as a threat multiplier in the Horn region, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities associated with political instability, terrorism, and piracy.

Career Center Open House

JSG students, faculty and staff are invited to come by the Career Center for coffee and bagels.