The heat of the Earth’s interior is one of the main renewable energy resources, of which a strong development is expected as an instrument of international policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The course is designed to provide students with the elements for understanding the fundamental characteristics of high, medium and low enthalpy geothermal systems, and of the main exploration methods for which the geologist is the main professional figure. As part of the course students will progressively acquire the ability to reconstruct a conceptual model of geothermal system starting from geological, geophysical and geochemical data, which will define the main extensive and intensive properties of heat sources, geothermal reservoirs and cap rocks. The fundamentals of geospatial and numerical modeling applied to geothermal prospecting will also be addressed. Students will be stimulated to analyze the problems and propose the relative solutions.
teacher profile teaching materials
Origin and transfer of the Earth’s heat; geothermal gradient and heat flow; conduction and convection; thermal properties of rocks and the role of fluids. Geothermal energy in the context of renewable energy sources and climate change mitigation.
Geothermal systems
High-, medium- and low-enthalpy systems and their geological settings. Heat sources, reservoirs, cap rocks, and fluid recharge and circulation systems. Temperature, pressure, enthalpy, geometry, porosity and permeability; the role of geological structures.
Exploration and regional geothermal studies
The contribution of geological, geophysical and geochemical investigations to resource characterisation. Integration of data at regional and site scales; identification of anomalies and areas of interest; limitations and uncertainties of interpretations.
Conceptual models and modelling
Construction of conceptual models through data integration. Fundamentals of geospatial representation and numerical modelling of heat transfer; parameters, boundary conditions, simplifying assumptions and critical interpretation of results.
Applied activities and project report
Integrated interpretation of maps, cross-sections, and geophysical and geochemical data; guided exercises using free and open-source software; construction of a conceptual model and analysis of a simplified case. Preparation of an individual or group project report involving source selection, comparison of interpretations and discussion of uncertainties.
Proposed supplementary materials: lecture presentations, maps and datasets for exercises, instructions for applied activities, selected scientific articles and documentation for the software used. The lecturer will specify the required chapters, article references and how to access the materials.
Programme
Fundamentals of geothermal energyOrigin and transfer of the Earth’s heat; geothermal gradient and heat flow; conduction and convection; thermal properties of rocks and the role of fluids. Geothermal energy in the context of renewable energy sources and climate change mitigation.
Geothermal systems
High-, medium- and low-enthalpy systems and their geological settings. Heat sources, reservoirs, cap rocks, and fluid recharge and circulation systems. Temperature, pressure, enthalpy, geometry, porosity and permeability; the role of geological structures.
Exploration and regional geothermal studies
The contribution of geological, geophysical and geochemical investigations to resource characterisation. Integration of data at regional and site scales; identification of anomalies and areas of interest; limitations and uncertainties of interpretations.
Conceptual models and modelling
Construction of conceptual models through data integration. Fundamentals of geospatial representation and numerical modelling of heat transfer; parameters, boundary conditions, simplifying assumptions and critical interpretation of results.
Applied activities and project report
Integrated interpretation of maps, cross-sections, and geophysical and geochemical data; guided exercises using free and open-source software; construction of a conceptual model and analysis of a simplified case. Preparation of an individual or group project report involving source selection, comparison of interpretations and discussion of uncertainties.
Prerequisiti
The course will need knowledge of geology, structural geology, volcanology, petrography, geochemistry and geophysicsCore Documentation
Geotermia. Nuove frontiere delle energie rinnovabili [Geothermal Energy: New Frontiers in Renewable Energy], by Beniamino Toro and Tania Ruspandini. Publisher: Flaccovio Dario. Publication date: January 2009.Proposed supplementary materials: lecture presentations, maps and datasets for exercises, instructions for applied activities, selected scientific articles and documentation for the software used. The lecturer will specify the required chapters, article references and how to access the materials.
Type of delivery of the course
The course will be done in presence sided by presentation of slides and videos. The download on personal computers of free open-source software is required for the geothermal modelingAttendance
in presence Attendance at lectures and practical exercises is governed by the Degree Programme’s Teaching Regulations, which should be consulted for any attendance obligations, minimum attendance percentages and provisions for specific categories of students.Type of evaluation
It is proposed that the oral examination on the syllabus account for 60% of the final grade, and the project report and its individual discussion for 40%. Both components are graded out of 30 and must each achieve at least 18/30. The final grade is calculated as 0.60 × oral examination grade + 0.40 × project report and discussion grade, rounded to the nearest whole number, with half points rounded up. The discussion forms part of the project report component and does not receive a third, separate grade. The oral examination is assessed on the accuracy and completeness of knowledge, application of methods, ability to make connections and appropriate use of terminology. The project report is assessed on the traceability of sources and data, correctness of analyses, coherence of the model, justification of choices, analysis of uncertainties and clarity of presentation. For group work, assessment of this component takes account of the skills and contribution demonstrated individually. A pass requires correct essential knowledge and the ability to apply it to a simple case, even with limited independence. Intermediate grades reflect more comprehensive knowledge and progressively stronger applications and arguments; the highest grades require critical integration of data and independent judgement. Honours may be proposed for a final grade of 30/30 where performance is particularly outstanding in both components, in accordance with the applicable rules. Alignment with the learning outcomes Theoretical questions primarily assess knowledge and understanding. Data interpretation and the project report assess the application of methods and independent judgement. The presentation and discussion assess communication skills. Analysis of a scenario not previously solved, together with justification of the selected sources and methods, assesses the ability to transfer learning independently to a new problem.