DEGREE - Digital Twin for assessing the exploration potential of geo-resources: Eifel geothermal depth anomaly: GFZ

DEGREE - Digital twin for assessing the exploration potential of geo-resources: Eifel geothermal depth anomaly

Duration: 01.03.2024 -28.02.2027
Funding: BMBF
Principal Investigator: Prof. Dr. Torsten Dahm, Dr. Simone Cesca, Patrick Laumann (Section 2.1); Dr. Christoph Sens-Schönfelder (Section 2.4), Dr. Wolfgang zu Castell-Rüdenhausen (Dept. 5)
Cooperationen/Partner: Prof. Dr. T. Meier, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel (CAU); Prof. Dr. B. Kaus, Dr. A. Popov, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz (JGU); Prof. Dr. F. Wellmann, RWTH Aachen University (RWTH)

Exploration and extraction of resources in new areas is a risky endeavour because the subsurface is only partially known. The risk can be better assessed if 1) it is understood how the resources are formed, 2) the relevant parameters (strata, faults, seismic velocities and amplitudes, anomalies, etc.) in the subsurface can be mapped more accurately and 3) the probability of a discovery (combination of production source, deposit, sealing) can be better estimated from the data obtained by analysing all the data together.

The DEGREE project aims to estimate the combined probability of occurrence of prospective systems, their recoverability and their productivity through joint modelling and integration of a range of geoscientific data. Our so-called "virtual digital laboratory" is demonstrated in the case of our test area in the Eifel.

Figure shows the Geodynamic information and multiscale data in the Eastern — Geodynamic information and multiscale data in the Eastern Eifel. Black bars mark the location and depth of the boreholes (max. 1 km). Green bars show the Reginaris CO2 well (Re) and the new research well at Mendig airfield (Me). Phonolitic centres: LS -Laacher See, W - Wehr, R - Rieden. CO2 mineral springs and mofettes, earthquakes and volcanic deep-earthquakes (DLF) are described in the legend. The surface geology (coloured polygons) is drawn using a digital elevation model based on LIDAR measurements. *(2.1, GFZ)*