Martin O. Saar: Catalogue data in Spring Semester 2022 |
| Name | Prof. Dr. Martin O. Saar |
| Field | Geothermal Energy and Geofluids |
| Address | Institut für Geophysik ETH Zürich, NO F 51.2 Sonneggstrasse 5 8092 Zürich SWITZERLAND |
| Telephone | +41 44 632 59 76 |
| martin.saar@eaps.ethz.ch | |
| Department | Earth and Planetary Sciences |
| Relationship | Full Professor |
| Number | Title | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 651-4087-00L | Case Studies in Exploration and Environmental Geophysics | 3 credits | 3G | H. Maurer, M. Hertrich, J. Robertsson, M. O. Saar, T. Spillmann | |
| Abstract | This 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 objective | This 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. | ||||
| Content | During the first part of the course, various themes will be introduced, in which geophysical methods play a key role. Module 1 (24.2./3.3): Geothermal Energy (M. Saar) Module 2 (10.3./17.3.): Radioactive Waste Disposal (T. Spillmann) Module 3 (24.3.): Natural Hazards (H.R. Maurer) Module 4 (31.3.): Cryosphere Applications (H.R. Maurer) Module 5 (7.4.): Marine Seismics (J. Robertsson) Module 6 (14.4.): 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 (28.4.), followed by visits of the three main Deep Underground Laboratories in Switzerland: 5.5 .: Mont Terri Laboratory 12.5: Bedretto Laboratory 19.5.: 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 2. 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 notes | Course material will be provided in the teaching repository associated with this course. | ||||
| Literature | Provided during the course | ||||
| Prerequisites / Notice | Basic 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 | ||||
| 651-4109-00L | Geothermal Energy | 3 credits | 4G | M. O. Saar, P. Bayer, M. Brehme, P. Deb, F. Samrock | |
| Abstract | The 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 objective | To provide students with a broad understanding of the systems used to exploit geothermal energy in diverse settings. | ||||
| Content | The 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 notes | The script for each class will be available for download from the Ilias website no later than 1 day before the class. | ||||
| 669-0100-00L | Spring Course: Characterisation of Groundwater Systems  Only for CAS in Angewandten Erdwissenschaften. | 2 credits | 2G | M. O. Saar, M. Brehme, M. Willmann | |
| Abstract | The course provides up-to-date hydrogeological knowledge on the description of groundwater systems in hard rocks and sediments. Starting with methods for the characterization of groundwater systems, various case studies are shown, where the application in groundwater protection is highlighted. | ||||
| Learning objective | Participants learn to assess different methods for characterizing aquifers and to link the results of measurements and observations to build a model of the groundwater system. | ||||
| 669-0101-00L | Project Module: Geo-Resources Only for CAS in Angewandten Erdwissenschaften. | 2 credits | 1S | M. Brehme, M. O. Saar, H. Willenberg | |
| Abstract | The project module of the module group Geo-Resources includes a one-day workshop or excursion and the preparation of a joint cooperative online course script by the participants. | ||||
| Learning objective | The participants deepen course content and relate selected topics to their professional practice. | ||||