Seminar "Can we extract climate-friendly geo-resources from active tectonic plate boundaries without increasing earthquake hazard?" by Prof. Virginia Gail Toy

Speaker: Prof. Dr. Virginia Gail Toy

Title: Can we extract climate-friendly geo-resources from active tectonic plate boundaries without increasing earthquake hazard?

Affiliation: Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, University of Otago

Hosted by Solar-Terrestrial Environment and Climate Unit (Miyahara Unit)  

Venue:  Lab 4, E01

Zoom URL: No more available

Abstract:

Earth's tectonic plate boudaries are rich source of climate-friendly geo-resources, such as geothermal energy, natural hydrogen, and critical minerals. However, extracting those resources commonly requires us to perturb stresses and fluid pressures at depth through drilling and hydraulic stimulation of boreholes. This can increase the lkelihood of earthquakes. Most regulatory systems globally currently apply the most ocnservative solution, which is to prohibit or very strictly control (with high resource use and cost) when drilling can be carried out in techtonically active regions.

I will present case examples of scientific ocean and continental driling projects in the framework of ICDP and IODP and field studies, from New Zealand's Alpine Fault, the San Andreas Fault in California, Japan's subduction plate boudary at the site of Tohoku-oki, and Switzerland's Engadine Line. These studies provide evidence of new plate boudary resources that may not require hydraulic simulation. Through the projects, we have established a better understanding of the risk posed by extraction and demonstrated how we can effictively mitigate risk. Finally, I will discuss how the results suggest it may be possible to control earthquakes through drilling and simulation of the subsurface.

Structural geology and tectonics:

My major interest is the mechanics of fractures, faults and shear zones throughout Earth’s lithosphere. I currently apply my expertise to (i) study of fractured geothermal reservoirs and induced seismicity, (ii) the electrical properties of typical fault and shear zone rocks and fluids, aiming to ensure these properties can be better used for remote geophysical imaging, and (iii) understanding earthquake hazard and promoting societal resilience. I also have experience in paleoseismology and landscape evolution, engineering geology, subduction zone structure, and deformation of ultramafic rocks. Methods: I am principally a field geologist, but I also undertake microtextural analysis, particularly by electron beam and synchrotron methods, perform deformation experiments, and validate results by simple computational models. I am an active member of the global continental and oceanic scientific drilling consortia, and have interests in scientific data management and science communication/outreach.