scholarly journals High-resolution induced polarization imaging of biogeochemical carbon turnover hotspots in a peatland

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (13) ◽  
pp. 4039-4058
Author(s):  
Timea Katona ◽  
Benjamin Silas Gilfedder ◽  
Sven Frei ◽  
Matthias Bücker ◽  
Adrian Flores-Orozco

Abstract. Biogeochemical hotspots are defined as areas where biogeochemical processes occur with anomalously high reaction rates relative to their surroundings. Due to their importance in carbon and nutrient cycling, the characterization of hotspots is critical for predicting carbon budgets accurately in the context of climate change. However, biogeochemical hotspots are difficult to identify in the environment, as methods for in situ measurements often directly affect the sensitive redox-chemical conditions. Here, we present imaging results of a geophysical survey using the non-invasive induced polarization (IP) method to identify biogeochemical hotspots of carbon turnover in a minerotrophic wetland. To interpret the field-scale IP signatures, geochemical analyses were performed on freeze-core samples obtained in areas characterized by anomalously high and low IP responses. Our results reveal large variations in the electrical response, with the highest IP phase values (> 18 mrad) corresponding to high concentrations of phosphates (> 4000 µM), an indicator of carbon turnover. Furthermore, we found a strong relationship between the electrical properties resolved in IP images and the dissolved organic carbon. Moreover, analysis of the freeze core reveals negligible concentrations of iron sulfides. The extensive geochemical and geophysical data presented in our study demonstrate that IP images can track small-scale changes in the biogeochemical activity in peat and can be used to identify hotspots.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timea Katona ◽  
Benjamin Silas Gilfedder ◽  
Sven Frei ◽  
Matthias Bücker ◽  
Adrian Flores-Orozco

Abstract. Biogeochemical hot spots are defined as areas where biogeochemical processes occur with anomalously high reaction rates relative to their surroundings. Due to their importance in carbon and nutrient cycling, characterization of hot spots is critical to accurately predict carbon budgets in the context of climate change. However, biogeochemical hot spots are difficult to identify in the environment, as sampling resolutions are often too coarse to find these areas in the subsurface. Here, we present imaging results of a geophysical survey using the non-invasive induced polarization (IP) method to identify biogeochemical hot spots of carbon turnover in a minerotrophic wetland. To interpret the field-scale IP signatures, geochemical analyses were performed on freeze-core samples obtained in areas characterized by anomalously high and low IP responses. Our results reveal large variations in the electrical response, with the highest IP phase values (> 20 mrad) corresponding with high concentrations of phosphates (> 4000 μM), an indicator of carbon turnover. Moreover, analysis of the freeze core reveal negligible concentrations of iron sulfides. The extensive geochemical and geophysical data presented in our study demonstrates that IP images can assess changes in the biogeochemical activity in peat, and identify hot spots.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timea Katona ◽  
Benjamin Gilfedder ◽  
Sven Frei ◽  
Lukas Aigner ◽  
Matthias Bücker ◽  
...  

<p>Our study discusses imaging results from a spectral induced polarization (SIP) survey to identify concurring processes (such as aerobic respiration, denitrification, or sulfate- and iron reduction) in a biogeochemically active peat in a wetland located in the Lehstenbach catchment in Southeastern Germany. Terrestrial wetland ecosystems such as peatlands are a critical element in the global carbon cycle. Due to their role as natural carbon sinks and ecological importance for an array of flora and fauna, there is a growing demand to conserve and restore degraded peatlands. Biogeochemical processes occur with non-uniform reaction rates within the peat, making the environment sensitive to physical disturbances. To investigate biogeochemical processes in-situ, it is important to avoid disturbing the redox-sensitive conditions in the subsurface by bringing oxygen into anoxic areas.  Our previous study demonstrated that the induced polarization (IP) was able to identify biogeochemically active and inactive areas of the peat. The IP response was sensitive to the presence of carbon turnover and P release in the absence of iron sulfide. These highly polarizable areas have high iron concentrations, but most likely in an oxidized form. As most iron oxides are poor conductors, the strong polarization response is unlikely related to an electrode polarization process.</p><p>Here we also analyzed the frequency dependence of the SIP data to investigate whether iron oxides and carbon-iron complexes, two possible mechanisms for the high polarization response, can be distinguished. SIP imaging data sets covered the frequency range between 0.06 and 225 Hz and were collected with varying electrode spacing (20 and 50 cm) at different locations within the Waldstein catchment characterized by different properties, e.g., saturated and non-saturated soils. Our imaging results reveal variations of the IP effect within the peat layer, indicating substantial heterogeneities in the peat composition and biogeochemical activity. The frequency dependence allowed us to resolve a sharper contrast between the different features of the peat. Geochemical analyses on a freeze core and pore water samples are used to validate our results and find correlations between the Cole-Cole parameters of the SIP response and the geochemical parameters.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timea Katona ◽  
Jakob Gallistl ◽  
Sven Nordsiek ◽  
Matthias Bücker ◽  
Sven Frei ◽  
...  

<p>Biogeochemical hot spots are spatially confined areas where biogeochemical processes take place with anomalously high reaction rates. On the landscape scale, biogeochemical hot spots are of major interest due to the possible emission of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide) and high nutrient turnover. Such hot spots are sensitive environments and given their environmental impact, there is a growing demand for noninvasive methods to investigate such hot spots without disturbing the biogeochemical settings. Classical geochemical sampling methods (e.g., piezometers or suction cups) often disturb the redox-sensitive settings by bringing oxygen into anoxic areas. Induced polarization (IP) is a noninvasive geophysical method that was initially developed to explore metal-ore deposits but more recently developed into a versatile tool for environmental studies.  Here, we present imaging results from a geophysical survey using the IP method to characterize hot spots in a wetland located in the Lehstenbach catchment in Southeastern Germany. We collected IP imaging data sets along 64 profiles using 64 electrodes deployed with a spacing of 20 cm. Our highly resolved measurements aimed at delineating hot spots within a thin layer (approximately 20 cm) heterogeneous peat material on top of the local granite bedrock. To validate the field-scale IP signatures, geochemical analyses (e.g., dissolved and solid iron concentration) were performed on freeze-core samples obtained in areas characterized by anomalous high and low IP responses. Furthermore, the thickness of the peat was measured with a dipstick along every fifth profile to evaluate the IP imaging results. Our imaging results reveal an increase in the IP response within the upper 20 cm of the subsurface, which correlates with the variations in the iron concentrations and variations in the geochemical composition of groundwater accompanying microbial activity within the biogeochemical hot spots observed in the soil samples. The IP response decreases in the deeper regions, which can be associated with the granite bedrock.</p>


Author(s):  
Scott Martin ◽  
Aleksandar Jemcov ◽  
Björn de Ruijter

Here the premixed Conditional Moment Closure (CMC) method is used to model the recent PIV and Raman turbulent, enclosed reacting methane jet data from DLR Stuttgart [1]. The experimental data has a rectangular test section at atmospheric pressure and temperature with a single inlet jet. A jet velocity of 90 m/s is used with an adiabatic flame temperature of 2,064 K. Contours of major species, temperature and velocities along with velocity rms values are provided. The conditional moment closure model has been shown to provide the capability to model turbulent, premixed methane flames with detailed chemistry and reasonable runtimes [2]. The simplified CMC model used here falls into the class of table lookup turbulent combustion models where the chemical kinetics are solved offline over a range of conditions and stored in a table that is accessed by the CFD code. Most table lookup models are based on the laminar 1-D flamelet equations, which assume the small scale turbulence does not affect the reaction rates, only the large scale turbulence has an effect on the reaction rates. The CMC model is derived from first principles to account for the effects of small scale turbulence on the reaction rates, as well as the effects of the large scale mixing, making it more versatile than other models. This is accomplished by conditioning the scalars with the reaction progress variable. By conditioning the scalars and accounting for the small scale mixing, the effects of turbulent fluctuations of the temperature on the reaction rates are more accurately modeled. The scalar dissipation is used to account for the effects of the small scale mixing on the reaction rates. The original premixed CMC model used a constant value of scalar dissipation, here the scalar dissipation is conditioned by the reaction progress variable. The steady RANS 3-D version of the open source CFD code OpenFOAM is used. Velocity, temperature and species are compared to the experimental data. Once validated, this CFD turbulent combustion model will have great utility for designing lean premixed gas turbine combustors.


2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. SM39-SM50
Author(s):  
Jingbo Wang ◽  
Zhongshan Qi ◽  
Penggui Jing ◽  
Tianfa Zheng ◽  
Yanqi Li ◽  
...  

Geologic studies indicate that the platform-margin reef-shallow facies in Permo-Triassic marine strata in the Micang-Dabashan foothill belt in the Sichuan Basin are favorable exploration targets for oil and gas exploration. However, the typical dual-complexity problem (complex surface condition and subsurface structure) brings a great challenge for seismic technology targeting of those potential oil and gas reservoirs. To overcome this problem, varieties of advanced seismic acquisition and processing methods have been used to improve the imaging quality of piedmont seismic data since 2000. Some improvements have been achieved: The reflection waves from the far offset and deep layer can be acquired in shot gathers from limestone outcropped areas, and the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) of reflection and diffraction waves in the stack section has been enhanced significantly so as to reveal amounts of valuable geologic information. The resolution and the S/N of seismic migration imaging for the strong fold zone in marine strata have been improved partially, so that the structure of the step-fault zone and the enveloping of gypsum rock are clearer than those revealed by the old seismic section. Even so, actual drilling data demonstrate that the subsurface structures of the foothill belt are far more complex than those revealed by the current seismic imaging results. Therefore, postdrilling evaluation for the validity of seismic techniques implemented in the Nanjiang and Zhenba piedmont zone has been carried out. The results indicate that the current acquisition scheme and processing workflow cannot completely fulfill the requirements of high-precision velocity modeling and migration imaging of complex structures (such as footwalls of thrust fault and small-scale fault blocks) in the piedmont zone, especially when the rugged surface and the widespread limestone outcrop appear simultaneously. Finally, we have developed some potential needs of seismic theories and techniques in the foothill belt, including seismic wave propagation, acquisition, and processing technology.


Geophysics ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 83 (2) ◽  
pp. E75-E86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Flores Orozco ◽  
Jakob Gallistl ◽  
Matthias Bücker ◽  
Kenneth H. Williams

In recent years, the time-domain induced polarization (TDIP) imaging technique has emerged as a suitable method for the characterization and the monitoring of hydrogeologic and biogeochemical processes. However, one of the major challenges refers to the resolution of the electrical images. Hence, various studies have stressed the importance of data processing, error characterization, and the deployment of adequate inversion schemes. A widely accepted method to assess data error in electrical imaging relies on the analysis of the discrepancy between normal and reciprocal measurements. Nevertheless, the collection of reciprocals doubles the acquisition time and is only viable for a limited subset of commonly used electrode configurations (e.g., dipole-dipole [DD]). To overcome these limitations, we have developed a new methodology to quantify the data error in TDIP imaging, which is entirely based on the analysis of the recorded IP decay curve and does not require recollection of data (e.g., reciprocals). The first two steps of the methodology assess the general characteristics of the decay curves and the spatial consistency of the measurements for the detection and removal of outliers. In the third and fourth steps, we quantify the deviation of the measured decay curves from a smooth model for the estimation of random error of the total chargeability and transfer resistance measurement. The error models and imaging results obtained from this methodology — in the following referred to as “decay curve analysis” — are compared with those obtained following a conventional normal-reciprocal analysis revealing consistent results. We determine the applicability of our methodology with real field data collected at the floodplain scale (approximately 12 ha) using multiple gradient and DD configurations.


Author(s):  
Alessio Pappa ◽  
Laurent Bricteux ◽  
Pierre Bénard ◽  
Ward De Paepe

Abstract Considering the growing interest in Power-to-Fuel, i.e. production of H2 using electrolysis to store excess renewable electricity, combustion-based technologies still have a role to play in the future of power generation. Especially in a decentralized production with small-scale cogeneration, micro Gas Turbines (mGTs) offer great advantages related to their high adaptability and flexibility, in terms of operation and fuel. Hydrogen (or hydrogen enriched methane) combustion is well-known to lead to flame and combustion instabilities. The high temperatures and reaction rates reached in the combustor can potentially lead to flashback. In the past, combustion air humidification (i.e. water addition) has proven effective to reduce temperatures and reaction rates, leading to significant NOx emission reductions. Therefore, combustion air humidification can open a path to stabilize hydrogen combustion in a classical mGT combustor. However accurate data assessing the impact of humidification on the combustion is still missing for real mGT combustor geometries and operating conditions. In this framework, this paper presents a comparison between pure methane and hydrogen enriched methane/air combustions, with and without combustion air humidification, in a typical mGT combustion chamber (Turbec T100) using Large Eddy Simulations (LES) analysis. In a first step, the necessary minimal water dilution, to reach stable and low emissions combustion with hydrogen, was assessed using a 1D approach. The one-dimensional unstretched laminar flame is computed for both pure methane (reference case) and hydrogen enriched methane/air combustion cases. The results of this comparison show that, for the hydrogen enriched combustion, the same level of flame speed as in the reference case can be reached by adding 10% (in mass fraction) of water. In a second step, the feasibility and flexibility of humidified hydrogen enriched methane/air combustion in an industrial mGT combustor have been demonstrated by performing high fidelity LES on a 3D geometry. Results show that steam dilution helped to lower the reactivity of hydrogen, and thus prevents flashback, enabling the use of hydrogen blends in the mGT at similar CO levels, compared to the reference case. These results will help to design future combustor towards more stability.


1976 ◽  
Vol 71 ◽  
pp. 323-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.-H. Rädler

One of the most striking features of both the magnetic field and the motions observed at the Sun is their highly irregular or random character which indicates the presence of rather complicated magnetohydrodynamic processes. Of great importance in this context is a comprehension of the behaviour of the large scale components of the magnetic field; large scales are understood here as length scales in the order of the solar radius and time scales of a few years. Since there is a strong relationship between these components and the solar 22-years cycle, an insight into the mechanism controlling these components also provides for an insight into the mechanism of the cycle. The large scale components of the magnetic field are determined not only by their interaction with the large scale components of motion. On the contrary, a very important part is played also by an interaction between the large and the small scale components of magnetic field and motion so that a very complicated situation has to be considered.


Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 863
Author(s):  
Roberto Paoli

This paper presents a general procedure to incorporate the effects emissions from localized sources, such as aircraft or ship engines, into chemical transport models (CTM). In this procedure, the species concentrations in each grid box of a CTM are split into plume or small-scale concentrations and background concentrations, respectively, and the corresponding conservation equations are derived. The plume concentrations can be interpreted as subgrid contributions for the CTM grid-box averaged concentrations. The chemical reactions occurring inside the plume are parameterized by introducing suitable “effective” reaction rates rather than modifying the emission indices of the species inside the plume. Various methods for implementation into large-scale models are discussed that differ by the accuracy of the description of plume process. The mathematical consistency of the method is verified on simple idealized setting consisting of a reactive plume in homogeneous turbulence.


Geophysics ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
pp. 71-88 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. H. Nelson ◽  
W. H. Hansen ◽  
M. J. Sweeney

Three case studies investigating induced‐polarization (IP) responses of a zeolite‐bearing conglomerate and of two carbonaceous siltstones are presented. The IP response of these noneconomic geologic materials can either mask or mimic the response from sulfide mineralization which is sought by electrical field surveys. The nonsulfide rock types which produced unusually high responses on IP field surveys were sampled by core drilling for chemical, mineralogical, and electrical laboratory study. The electrical response of core samples was measured in a four‐electrode sample holder over the 0.03–1000 Hz range. Geologic description of the core, petrographic examination of thin sections, mineral identification by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), and chemical analysis of samples supplemented the electrical measurements. A surface phase response of 20 mrad was obtained from field surveys over the Gila conglomerate at an Arizona location. Core samples of the Gila were examined in thin section, and clast surfaces were found to be coated with a thin layer of zeolites. These zeolites project into pore spaces in the conglomerate, and thus are in intimate contact with formation waters. A series of laboratory experiments suggests that zeolites cause most of the observed IP response. Phase responses as high as 100 mrad were measured with field surveys over siltstone and limestone sequences in western Nevada. Samples recovered from the Luning and Gabbs‐Sunrise formations include siltstones containing small amounts of amorphous carbon. These siltstones are very conductive electrically, and the high‐phase response is attributed to polarization of the carbon‐pore water interface. Low porosity in these carbonaceous siltstones enhances the phase response.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document