Martin O. Saar: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2021

Name Prof. Dr. Martin O. Saar
FieldGeothermal Energy and Geofluids
Address
Institut für Geophysik
ETH Zürich, NO F 51.2
Sonneggstrasse 5
8092 Zürich
SWITZERLAND
Telephone+41 44 632 59 76
E-mailmartin.saar@eaps.ethz.ch
DepartmentEarth and Planetary Sciences
RelationshipFull Professor

NumberTitleECTSHoursLecturers
651-4087-00LCase Studies in Exploration and Environmental Geophysics3 credits3GH. Maurer, J. Robertsson, M. Hertrich, M. O. Saar, T. Spillmann
AbstractThis course focuses on benefits and limitations of geophysical methods applied to problems of high societal relevance. It is demonstrated, how seismics, ground-penetrating-radar and other electromagnetic methods can be employed in geothermics, the cryosphere, hydrocarbon exploration, natural hazard assessments and radioactive waste disposal problems.
Learning objectiveThis course is set up for both, geophysicists and non-geophysicists. The former will become familiar with applications of geophysical methods, for which they have learned the underlying theory in other courses. Non-geophysicists (i.e., potential users of geophysical technics, such as geologists and geotechnical engineers) will learn, which geophysical method or which combination of geophysical methods can be used to solve a particular in their realm.

The main learning goal for both groups is to understand the benefits and limitations of geophysical techniques for important applications, such as exploration problems, waste disposal, or natural hazards.
ContentDuring the first part of the course, various themes will be introduced, in which geophysical methods play a key role.

Module 1 (25.2./4.3): Geothermal Energy (M. Saar)

Module 2 (11.3.): Natural Hazards (H.R. Maurer)

Module 3 (18.3.): Cryosphere Applications (H.R. Maurer)

Module 4 (25.3./1.4.): Radioactive Waste Disposal (T. Spillmann)

Module 5 (15.4.): Marine Seismics (J. Robertsson)

Module 6 (22.4.): Hydrocarbon Exploration (Fons ten Kroode)

During the second part of the course, we will focus on Deep Underground Laboratories. They offer exciting opportunities for research associated with many themes covered in Modules 1 to 6. This block starts with an introductory lecture (29.4.), followed by visits of the three main Deep Underground Laboratories in Switzerland:

6.5: Bedretto Laboratory

20.5 .: Mont Terri Laboratory

27.5.: Grimsel Test Site

The laboratory visits will occupy the full afternoons of the respective days. Of course, the visits will only be possible, when the COVID-19 situation will be appropriate. Otherwise, virtual laboratory tours are planned. For earning the credit points, at least two out of the three laboratory visits are mandatory, but the students are encouraged, to join all visits.

Active participation of the students will be required. Prior to the laboratory visits, the students must familiarize themselves with one experiment (in total, not per laboratory), and they will introduce this experiment during the visit to their fellow students. Finally, a short report on the experiment assigned will have to be written. Presentation and report will contribute 50% to the final grade.

The remaining 50% of the final grade will be earned during a project work on June 3. The students will receive a small project out of the themes of Modules 1 to 6. During a few hours, they will work independently on the project, and they have to summarize their results in a short report.
Lecture notesCourse material will be provided in the teaching repository associated with this course.
LiteratureProvided during the course
Prerequisites / NoticeBasic knowledge of geophysical methods is required.

Students registering for the course confirm having read and accepted the terms and conditions for excursions and field courses of D-ERDW
https://www.ethz.ch/content/dam/ethz/special-interest/erdw/department/dokumente/studium/exkursionen/AGB_ERDW_Exkursionen_en.pdf
651-4109-00LGeothermal Energy3 credits4GM. O. Saar, P. Bayer, E. Rossi, F. Samrock
AbstractThe course will introduce students to the general principles of Geothermics and is suitable for students who have a basic knowledge of Geoscience or Environmental Science (equivalent of a Bachelor degree).
Learning objectiveTo provide students with a broad understanding of the systems used to exploit geothermal energy in diverse settings.
ContentThe course will begin with an overview of heat generation and the thermal structure of the Earth. The basic theory describing the flow of heat in the shallow crust will be covered, as will be the methods used to measure it. Petrophysical parameters of relevance to Geothermics, such as thermal conductivity, heat capacity and radiogenic heat productivity, are described together with the laboratory and borehole measurement techniques used to estimate their values. The focus will then shift towards the exploitation of geothermal heat at various depths and temperatures, ranging from electricity and heat production in various types of deep geothermal systems (including high and medium temperature hydrothermal systems, and Engineered Geothermal Systems at depths of 5 km or more), to ground-source heat pumps installed in boreholes at depths of a few tens to hundreds of meters for heating domestic houses.
The subjects covered are as follows:
Week 1: Introduction. Earth's thermal structure. Conductive heat flow
Week 2: Heat flow measurement. Advective heat flow. Petrophysical parameters and their measurement.
Week 3: Temperature measurement. Hydrothermal reservoirs & well productivity
Week 4: Hydrological characterisation of reservoirs. Drilling. Optimized systems
Week 5: Petrothermal or Engineered Geothermal Systems
Week 6: Low-enthalpy systems 1
Week 7: Low-enthalpy systems 2.
Lecture notesThe script for each class will be available for download from the Ilias website no later than 1 day before the class.
651-4180-03LIntegrated Earth Systems III Restricted registration - show details 5 credits4G + 1US. Heuberger, T. Driesner, A. Gilli, J. Niederau, M. O. Saar
AbstractThe course Integrated Earth Systems III addresses geological resources (georesources) from an integrative perspective. The course covers three interacting focus themes:
1) non-metallic mineral resources (aggregates, cement raw materials, hydrocarbons),
2) geothermal resources (geothermal energy),
3) metallic mineral resources (ores).
Learning objectiveThe students develop an overview of the different usable geological resources on earth. In particular, they will discuss and amplify their understanding of the genesis of these georesources in the context of the interacting petrological, tectonic, geophysical and geochemical processes. The students will be able to classify the resources' economic significance and to judge their responsible utilisation.
ContentDer dritte Teil der Vorlesung "Intergrierte Erdsysteme" behandelt geologische Rohstoffe, die Georessourcen. Drei Schwerpunkte werden in dieser Lehrveranstaltung gesetzt: 1. nicht-metallische mineralische Rohstoffe (Steine & Erden, Kohlenwasserstoffe, Industrieminerale, Salze), 2. Geothermie, 3. Metallische Rohstoffe (Erzlagerstätten).
Der Teil der nicht-metallischen mineralischen Rohstoffe diskutiert die Entstehung sowie die Prospektion dieser Rohstoffe an ausgewählten Beispielen. Die Studierenden erhalten Einblick in die tektonischen und sedimentären Bedingungen, die zur Lagerstättenbildung geführt haben, sowie in die zu deren Auffindung benötigten Prospektionstechniken und Geodaten (z.B. 3D-Modelle, Bohrungen, Seismik).
Der Geothermie-Teil befasst sich mit der Nutzung von Niedrig- und Hoch-Enthalpie Geothermie-Systemen zur Gewinnung von Wärme und/oder Strom. Die Studierenden werden vom geologischen Untergrund, und den darin vorkommenden und zirkulierenden Flüssigkeiten, über das geothermische Kraftwerk an der Erdoberfläche bis hin zu den Wärme- und/oder Strom-Gestehungskosten, die wesentlichen Aspekte eines geothermischen Kraftwerkes qualitativ und semi-quantitativ untersuchen und beurteilen.
Der Teil über Erzlagerstätten stellt ausgewählte Lagerstättentypen und deren Bildung in den Kontext von tektonischen, petrologischen und geochemischen Prozessen. Die Studierenden werden anhand von umfangreichem Probenmaterial die wichtigsten Charakteristika dieser Lagerstätten erarbeiten und die Interpretation von kleinskaligen Feldbeziehungen üben. Daraus werden qualitative und semi-quantitative Rückschlüsse über die chemischen Prozesse hinter der Anreicherung von Erzmetallen abgeleitet.
669-0100-00LSpring Course: Characterisation of Groundwater Systems Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
Only for CAS in Angewandten Erdwissenschaften.
2 credits2GM. O. Saar
AbstractThe course provides current knowledge on the description of groundwater resources in porous and fractured aquifers using characteristic parameters and the application of such characterisation. The course includes a 1-day computer workshop.
Learning objective
669-0101-00LProject Module: Geo-Resources Restricted registration - show details
Does not take place this semester.
Only for CAS in Angewandten Erdwissenschaften.
2 credits1SM. O. Saar
AbstractThe project module of the module group Geo-Resources includes a one-day workshop as part of the spring course and the preparation of a joint cooperative online course script by the participants.
Learning objective