Abstracts with Programs - Geological Society of America

SESSION NO. 31
well-sorted fluvial and eolian sediments. Thereby sandstones with minor amounts of cements
show high permeabilities, whereas low permeabilities are commonly related to the almost
total filling of the primary porespace by authigenic minerals. Investigations on pore space
geometries (abundance and interconnectivity of small and large pores) and grain surfaces
allow an advanced understanding of reservoir properties and reactive surfaces in these rocks.
In the basin center permeability of Lower Buntsandstein is low, whereas permeabilities in the
Middle Buntsandstein formation are strongly enhanced. At the margin of the Thuringian Basin
the influence of meteoric water is strongly affecting dissolution and alteration of minerals.
Investigations of fluid pathways and diagenesis form the basis for later modelling of reservoir
evolution and fluid flow within the Thuringian Basin.
31-15 BTH 21 Luick, Holger
NEW POTENTIALS FOR STORING GREEN ENERGY USING PUMPED-STORAGE
POWER-PLANTS
LUICK, Holger1 , NIEMANN, André2 , PERAU, Eugen3 , WAGNER, Hermann Josef4 , and
SCHREIBER, Ulrich1 , (1) Faculty of Biology, Geological Section, University of Duisburg-
Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, Essen, 45141, Germany, Holger.Luick@uni-due.de,
(2) Institute of Hydraulic Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstraße 5,
Essen, 45141, Germany, (3) Institute of Geotechnical Engineering, University of Duisburg-
Essen, Universitätsstraße 5, Essen, 45141, Germany, (4) LEE Energy Systems and
Energy Economics, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Bochum, 44801,
Germany
It may be that by 2050, 100% of electrical power will be produced by renewables[1] in
Germany. Following different scenarios, about 2/3 of this power will be generated from
temporarily variable sources such as wind energy and photovoltaics. Therefore high-capacity
energy storages will be needed for a constant supply with electrical energy using renewable
resources[2].
Pumped-storage power plants (PSPP) are the most promising state-of-the-art technique
making it possible to store sufficient amounts of energy in order to secure a constant supply of
electricity even for highly developed countries. Traditionally pumped-storage power plants are
constructed in areas characterized by a specific topography. In Norway, for instance, PSPPs
have already gained a capacity of 82 TWh, which is about 70 % of the Norwegian total annual
consumption of electrical energy of 116 TWh (2008)[3]. In Germany PSPPs have a capacity
of 40 GWh relating to a total consumption of electrical energy of 735 TWh (2008)[4], which
is about 0,005 %. Germany not having such a distinct topography, engineers have to look for
alternative differences in altitude.
Using anthropogenic altitude differences could be a contribution to the increase of
PSPP capacity. These can be found in a) abandoned coal mines, e.g. in the Ruhr District,
b) abandoned open-cast mining (lignite mining, e.g. Rheinisches Braunkohlerevier), c)
deep offshore regions and seafloor areas characterized by steep slopes, e.g. parts of the
Mediterranean Sea. Additionally geothermal energy can be used in coal mines to maximize
efficiency and also ECBM (Enhanced Coal Bed Methane) techniques using microorganisms
can be applied.
Localisation, quantification and technical aspects of realisation of these so called subsurface
pumped-storage power plants are the main aims of a multidisciplinary cooperation of
the University of Duisburg-Essen and the Ruhr-University Bochum. The research project is
funded by the Meractor Research Center Ruhr, an initiative of the Stiftung Mercator and the
Universitätsallianz Metropole Ruhr.
__________________________
[1] Umweltbundesamt, 2010
[2] Umweltbundesamt, 2010
[3] Statistisk sentralbyrå, 2011
[4] Umweltbundesamt, 2010
31-16 BTH 22 Heim, Sabine
A PYROLYTIC STUDY OF GAS GENERATION FROM LIGNITES: GEOCHEMICAL
CHARACTERISATION OF ORGANIC MATTER
HEIM, Sabine, KROOSS, Bernhard M., and LITTKE, Ralf, Lehrstuhl für Geologie,
Geochemie und Lagerstätten des Erdöls und der Kohle, RWTH Aachen University,
Lochnerstrasse 4-20, Aachen, 52056, Germany, heim@lek.rwth-aachen.de
Lignite samples from different regions, depositional environments and facies types were
selected to investigate the petrography and geochemistry of low rank sedimentary organic
matter. In continuation of previous research, this study attempted to assess the fate of nitrogen
within the sedimentary nitrogen cycle, and evaluate qualitative and quantitative aspects of the
thermal N generation from different nitrogen-containing precursor entities.
2
In a first screening phase, open system non-isothermal pyrolysis experiments were
performed for a systematic comparison of gas liberation processes. Generation rates of N and 2
CH , shapes and intensities of pyrolytic peaks were found to represent sensitive indicators of
4
the chemical composition of sedimentary organic matter.
Pyrograms of peat as well as higher rank coals reflect the increase in thermal maturity and
the associated changes in chemical composition of the organic matter from predominantly
low to higher thermal stability. The positions and shapes of pyrolytic N generation peaks are
2
related to the chemical conversion processes. Thermally less stable nitrogen precursors as well
as some thermally stable precursor structures are present in peat. With increasing maturation,
only the thermally more stable structures survive.
Quite unexpectedly the pyrograms of lignites do not match the N liberation trends observed
2
for peat to higher rank hard coal but show distinct discontinuities. Obviously, the structure
of nitrogen precursors in lignites is severely altered as compared to the peats. Furthermore
there are also significant differences between the different lignite deposits. Thus, the liberation
pattern and the chemical composition appear to be strongly influenced by the depositional
environment and/or low-temperature thermal conversion processes in sedimentary basins.
Future investigations on the chemical composition of the nitrogen-containing organic matter
will comprise step-wise off line pyrolysis with subsequent GC/MS analysis of the volatile
products in order to elucidate the changes in chemical composition of organic nitrogencontaining
compounds.
31-17 BTH 23 Riße, Andreas
MINERAL ALTERATIONS CAUSED BY OXIDISING ACCESSORY GASES IN THE
GEOLOGICAL STORAGE OF CO2
HEESCHEN, Katja, RIßE, Andreas, STADLER, Susanne, OSTERTAG-HENNING,
Christian, and RÜTTERS, Heike, Bundesanstalt für Geowissenschaften und Rohstoffe
(BGR), Hannover, 30655, andreas.risse@bgr.de
The German project COORAL (“CO Purity for Capture and Storage”) investigates the effects
2
of accessory gases during the processes of carbon sequestration, i.e., power generation,
capture, transport, injection and CO geological storage. At BGR we concentrate on
2
geochemical experiments at in-situ pressure-temperature conditions to elucidate the occuring
geochemical processes after injection of CO into saline aquifers. To understand the occuring
2
mineral alterations it is essential to investigate fluid-rock interactions that include the minerals
of potential storage formations, CO and accessory gases that occur in the captured CO gas
2 2
stream. The latter will contain minor amounts of gases such as O , N , NO , SO , CO, and H S.
2 2 x x 2
A46 FRAGILE EARTH: Geological Processes from Global to Local Scales
However, quantitative data on mineral alterations due to these accessory gases are scarce at
relevant conditions.
The experiments at BGR are carried out using static batch reactors equipped with chemically
inert flexible gold-titanium-cells. The investigated mineral phases are carefully crushed, sorted
and cleaned natural mono-minerals whereas the natural formation water is simplified to a Na-Cl
solution (150 g NaCl /l). A first set of experiments on carbonates in pure water or salt solution
allowed testing the laboratory set-up and adjusting the modelling environment using the
numerical code PHREEQC. While experimental data without CO 2 addition are well represented
by thermodynamic simulations, discrepancies occur between measured and simulated data
in the presence of CO 2 . Duplicate dolomite-brine-CO 2 experiments exhibited a very good
reproducibility showing release rates for both, Mg and Ca, between 2*10 10 mol s 1 cm 2 at the
very beginning and 4*10 13 mol s 1 cm 2 just before approaching steady state.
The main target of the ongoing experiments is a) to continue the work on the carbonates
using a binary gas mixture of CO 2 –SO 2 thus looking into effects caused by an increased acidity
and the presence of SO 4 and b) to investigate the effects of accessory O 2 on redox sensitive
minerals, especially clay minerals.
SESSION NO. 32, 15:30
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
S4. Plenary: Geological Research for Our Health
(2011 - Year of Science in Health Research)
(GSA Geology and Health Division, LMU Fragile
Earth Fund)
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, A 014
32-1 15:40 Matschullat, Jörg
GEOSCIENCES AND HUMAN HEALTH
MATSCHULLAT, Jörg, Interdisciplinary Environmental Research Centre,
TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Brennhausgasse 14, Freiberg 09599 Germany,
joerg.matschullat@ioez.tu-freiberg.de
Medical Geology or Medical Mineralogy and Geochemistry is an emerging field of our science
that seems to develop largely unnoticed by many in the community. Is it really new? Does it
address important issues? Do we need to “invent” yet another term for a research area in the
geosciences?
These questions shall be addressed rather from a down to earth perspective than from a
semantic and theory-of-science background. The review of current works will help to better
understand and appreciate the topic and ideally to attract some more smart minds into this
fascinating field of activity.
The year 2011 welcomes the 7th billion human and we expect the 9th billion person to be
born around 2050. Such unprecedented population growth, combined with an increasing
urbanisation, soil degradation etc. inevitably leads to mounting challenges for human health
and wellbeing. The rising density of urban life, jointly with aging societies in many countries
and extended life expectancies, require a broad array of expertise that the geosciences can
deliver. Keywords for some of the topics that require intense attention and new solutions, range
from artificial limbs, endo- and exoskeleton parts to smarter soil use with distinct support
for agricultural production, food processing, and water management. Geosciences are in
the centre of such challenges and can contribute greatly to minimize risks and to support a
sustainable development for mankind.
Suggested reading
Dissanayake CB, Chandrajith R (eds; 2010) Introduction to medical geology. Springer
Finkelman RB, Skinner HCW, Plumlee GS, Bunnell JE (2001) Medical geology. Geotimes
11, 2001
Komatina MM (ed; 2004) Medical geology 2: Effects of geological environments on human
health. Elsevier
Sahai N, Schoonen MAA (eds; 2006) Medical mineralogy and geochemistry. Rev Mineral
Geochem 64: 332 p.
Sahai N (guest ed, 2007) Medical mineralogy and geochemistry. Elements 3, 6: 71 p.
Selinus O, Finkelman RB, Centeno JA (eds; 2010) Medical geology. Springer
Selinus O, Alloway B, Centeno JA, Finkelman RB, Fuge R, Lindh U, Smedley P (2005)
Essentials of medical geology – impacts of the natural environment on public health. Elsevier
Skinner HCW, Berger AR (eds; 2003) Geology and health – closing the gap. Oxford
University Press
32-2 16:15 Skinner, Catherine
CONNECTING THE SILENT HAZARDS IN THE GEOENVIRONMENT: GEOCHEMISTRY
AND BIOCHEMISTRY
SKINNER, Catherine, Department of Geology and Geophysics, Yale University,
Box 208109, New Haven, CT 06520-8109, catherine.skinner@yale.edu
The 92 naturally occurring elements on earth are found as inorganic and organic chemicals
in rocks, soils, waters and air. They are also essential components of biomineralized life forms
whose persistence implies specialized biochemical characteristics and mechanisms that insure
survival. Their existence and aggregation have influenced elemental distribution over billions of
years. Humans, now the dominant force changing the geo-environment, require the same basic
inputs as any species: air, water and food with addition of our society’s innovations all of which
impact the environment. Buildings, cars, and e-mail enhance our ability to transport not only
ourselves but our food, water and thoughts, but also have caused global redistribution of the
elements, and changes that may influence our health.
Today, elemental variations, anomalies, are noted on all continents. Some are considered
“Silent Hazards” (invisible, odorless, tasteless) and in such small amounts that only highresolution
analyses permit detection and accurate measurements. Any relationship with
morbidity or mortality requires painstaking procedures coupled with experimental data to
address competing and /or complicating causation co-factors.
Integration of geo- and biological scientists, medical and community health professionals
may lead to interpretations often confounded by differences in the human subjects and their
life styles. The effects of genetics, metabolism, age, food intake, and exposures in distinct
geographic localities are not easily determined nor can they be applied uniformly and globally.
Meta analyses including experimental and clinical studies reinforce our willingness to establish
levels of permissible exposure and usually in workplace environments. However, it may take
years to show that restriction or elimination of a particular offending element or compound and
require additional scientific investigations as well as international cooperation.
The notoriety of some diseases or elements may eventually lead to establishment of
scientifically based national public health standards the first step in assuring better global
health.