Geo-resources, Geomaterials and Environment

Objective: To use hydrogeological research techniques and conceptual, mathematical and computational models to simulate geohydraulic circuits and the movement of groundwater through time and space, and to assess its quality, typology and hydrobiogeochemical interactions within the geological context.

Objective: To use multidisciplinary and collaborative research methodologies to design and execute environmental monitoring plans; to study hydrobiogeochemical processes and their role in the interrelationships between water bodies, soils and rocks in the terrestrial Critical Zone; to evaluate the interaction between groundwater and surface water bodies and their importance for ecosystems, with particular emphasis on aquatic and riparian ecosystems dependent on interaction with groundwater levels.

Climate change has a significant impact on the distribution, availability and quality of water in many regions of the world. Research on this topic aims to respond to the challenges of scarcity of drinking water by researching alternative sources of water resources, tracking and monitoring changes in water quality in the course of climatic events such as forest fires, droughts and floods.

Objective: Knowledge and characterization of geological formations in order to assess their susceptibility to economic exploitation. The process of acquiring geological and geophysical data, resulting in greater and better knowledge of geology.

Objective: To maximize the exploitation of mineral resources by guiding mining operations, contributing to the full use of the mineral mass and/or the reduction of waste.

Objective: To investigate new forms of environmental remediation, designing and executing environmental monitoring plans; assisting in environmental protection, remediation and recovery, applying methodologies for geomorphological restoration and landscape integration of exploration sites.

Objective: To investigate new ways of valorizing exploration by-products and recycling waste, contributing to the goal of zero waste in order to reduce the need for new extractions; namely by using or incorporating exploration waste in the production of new materials; studying new techniques for recycling materials; applying separation processes used in the mining industry for the beneficiation of ores and the recycling of industrial and urban waste.

Objective: Identification, characterization and modelling of conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs (siliciclastic, carbonate and hybrid). These studies receive a major contribution from multiscale and multidisciplinary analyses (e.g. high-resolution stratigraphy, basin analysis, geochemistry, paleontology, among others) and transform this knowledge to be used in industrial and economic activities, through partnerships with companies (e.g. Partex, Petrobras, Repsol, Stateoil, Simula).

Sustainability involving the Hydrocarbon Production Chain will be assessed taking into account environmental safety requirements, through feasibility studies to be carried out in all regions potentially involved in operational activities. Partnerships with Brazilian universities and Civil Defense Organizations operating in producing regions in Brazil will enable the analysis of important items in the Vulnerability and Risk Analysis.

Objectives:

• Defining methodologies for assessing geothermal potential in Portugal: using the best methodologies for assessing geothermal potential used by governments and scientific institutions worldwide and transposing them to the Portuguese case.
• Implementing indirect geothermal prospecting techniques to characterize natural geothermal reservoirs: using indirect geothermal prospecting techniques in geothermal reservoirs to characterize them spatially and parametrically, as a critical input for assessing geothermal potential.
• Assessment of the geothermal potential of mainland Portugal: by processing published geothermal prospecting data and that collected as part of the project, to re-evaluate the potential of natural geothermal reservoirs in mainland Portugal.

Objective: To use various technologies and methods to collect and analyze georeferenced spatial information, integrating different data sets to generate relevant information that can be used for decision-making in matters of planning, resource management, minimization of natural disasters, among others.

Objective: To study the physical and mechanical properties of geological materials and their interaction with engineering works, both in the design phase and in the construction and maintenance of structures. Geotechnical knowledge and knowledge of the geomechanical behavior of materials contributes to land use planning and the safety and sustainability of engineering works, ensuring informed decision-making.

Objective: To identify potential geotechnical problems, characterize rock masses using classification systems, propose mitigating measures and provide solutions suited to the geotechnical characteristics of soils, slopes and excavations in order to reduce risk situations.

Objective: To investigate and evaluate the deterioration of materials of geological origin, with a view to their conservation; to propose rehabilitation measures according to the state of deterioration of stone materials used in monuments and buildings.