Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Simon Fraser University
$110,106.00
Thermal Imaging System for Multi-spatial and Multi-temporal Geoscience Investigations
FY 2012-13
Summary
Geological processes, such as sedimentary basin evolution, ore and hydrocarbon deposition, and volcanism and tectonism are inextricably linked to fluid flow processes. To understand the role of fluids in geological processes, we need to consider how fluid flow may be coupled to other processes, such as heat transfer and mechanical deformation. Thermal infrared (TIR) imaging of geological media (rock, soils, etc.) can enable the discrimination of low temperature contrasts between the fluid and the media through which it flows, while differences in surface emissivity can be used to characterise zones of alteration. The recent development of more portable and capable high resolution TIR video systems now permits accurate measurement of alteration, fracture networks and fluid in rock masses, making it possible to fully apply geomechanical and geochemical modelling to examine the temperature-dependent physicochemical processes of fluid flow. However, to date, there has been no comprehensive multi-spatial and multi-temporal study of multi-phase fluid flow through fractured geological media. The thermal images collected with this instrument will be draped on LIDAR/photogrammetric models along with the results of 3D ground deformation models. Eventually, in association with industry, we hope to develop the ability to fuse the thermal image data (in a similar manner to photogrammetry) to provide true 3D thermal models. Using the TIR video capability, the temporal progression of multi-phase fluid flow can be measured, and when integrated with multiple geophysical, geochemical and geomechanical datasets, produce comprehensive 4D models of the physicochemical fluid history. The TIR imaging system requested here will be employed immediately in a novel collaborative project to investigate the processes controlling multi-phase fluid (gas and liquid) flow through fractured geological media. We will explore the multi-temporal and multi-spatial characterization of seepage from fractures in natural (e.g. hydrological, geothermal) and engineered (e.g. soil and rock slopes, underground excavations) environments.
Program
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Recipient
Location
British Columbia, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
439260-2013
Name nom
Allen, Diana
Department département
Earth Sciences
Organization id
5
Institution établissement
Simon Fraser University
Province en
British Columbia
Province fr
Colombie-Britannique
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2012
Competition year année de concours
2013
Award amount
110106
Program id
EQPEQ
Program name en
Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
Program name fr
Outils et instruments de recherche - catégorie 1 (<150 000$)
Group en
Discovery grants programs
Group fr
Programmes de subventions à la découverte
Committee code
1506
Committee name en
Geosciences
Committee name fr
Géosciences
Area of application code
702
Area of application group en
Transportation systems and services
Area of application group fr
Services et systèmes de transport
Area of application en
Water
Area of application fr
Maritime
Research subject code
4000
Research subject group en
Earth science
Research subject group fr
Sciences de la terre
Research subject en
Earth science (see also marine geology 4604)
Research subject fr
Sciences de la terre (voir aussi géologie marine, 4604)
Partie
1
Nb partie
1
Application title
Thermal Imaging System for Multi-spatial and Multi-temporal Geoscience Investigations
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
Geological processes, such as sedimentary basin evolution, ore and hydrocarbon deposition, and volcanism and tectonism are inextricably linked to fluid flow processes. To understand the role of fluids in geological processes, we need to consider how fluid flow may be coupled to other processes, such as heat transfer and mechanical deformation. Thermal infrared (TIR) imaging of geological media (rock, soils, etc.) can enable the discrimination of low temperature contrasts between the fluid and the media through which it flows, while differences in surface emissivity can be used to characterise zones of alteration. The recent development of more portable and capable high resolution TIR video systems now permits accurate measurement of alteration, fracture networks and fluid in rock masses, making it possible to fully apply geomechanical and geochemical modelling to examine the temperature-dependent physicochemical processes of fluid flow. However, to date, there has been no comprehensive multi-spatial and multi-temporal study of multi-phase fluid flow through fractured geological media. The thermal images collected with this instrument will be draped on LIDAR/photogrammetric models along with the results of 3D ground deformation models. Eventually, in association with industry, we hope to develop the ability to fuse the thermal image data (in a similar manner to photogrammetry) to provide true 3D thermal models. Using the TIR video capability, the temporal progression of multi-phase fluid flow can be measured, and when integrated with multiple geophysical, geochemical and geomechanical datasets, produce comprehensive 4D models of the physicochemical fluid history. The TIR imaging system requested here will be employed immediately in a novel collaborative project to investigate the processes controlling multi-phase fluid (gas and liquid) flow through fractured geological media. We will explore the multi-temporal and multi-spatial characterization of seepage from fractures in natural (e.g. hydrological, geothermal) and engineered (e.g. soil and rock slopes, underground excavations) environments.
