Monitoring Carbon (MoCa)

• Applicant: Dr. Kyriaki Daskalopoulou
• Subject Area: Geology ; Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 461419881

The various gas components provide important clues regarding the origin, source, migration, and accumulation of the fluids in the environments. Their composition depends on deep-seated processes and thus detailed studies on the geogenic gases provide information on the tectonic and geological settings of the studied areas. Central Europe is characterized by numerous gas discharges, the distribution of which is mainly controlled by the Cenozoic rift system and associated Tertiary volcanism. The Eger Rift (Czech Republic) is characterized by emanations of magma-derived gases and recurrence of mid-crustal earthquake swarms with small to intermediate magnitudes (ML < 4.5). The proposed research will take place in the western Eger Rift area (Cheb Basin and Bad Brambach) and aims to determine and differentiate the sources and sinks of the C-species. For the first time, the research in the natural fluid emissions of western Eger Rift will expand on CH4 and light hydrocarbons, while special attention will be given to the impact of the deep and near surface processes on the gases. Results will be compared with data of gas flow and will be interpreted in the context of the diverse tectonic structures and earthquake activity. To this end, an “experiment” will be held in Hartoušov Mofette (Cheb Basin), where 3 drillings and a natural mofette are located. Aim of this “experiment” is to recognize the mechanisms that result in the variations of geogenic carbon related to tectonic activity by combining geochemical and geophysical continuous monitoring techniques along a vertical gradient.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants