The reactive transport modelling group within the Department of Geochemistry at the University of Utrecht (UU) is a forward-thinking, active research group at the forefront of scientific exploration. Current research underway tackles globally important issues by furthering the understanding of the behaviour of biogeochemically sensitive elements the natural environment. These concerns are addressed by mechanistic and quantitative modelling of coupled biological-geochemical processes by integrating field studies, laboratory-based kinetic experiments and reactive transport modelling approaches.

With a molecule-for-molecule potency more than 25 times that of carbon dioxide, methane is a powerful greenhouse gas. Vast reserves of methane lie buried in the ocean floor close to the sediment surface. The processes governing the biogeochemical pathways of methane in this environment are complex and poorly understood. The multidisciplinary project, METROL, an international collaborative effort, aims to provide valuable insights into these pathways. Leading WP3 within METROL, UU will take the initiative in developing a diagenetic reactive transport model of anaerobic oxidation of methane in marginal sediments, implementing laboratory-derived kinetic data from METROL partners. The model will be used to quantify methane turnover and the principal physical and biogeochemical controls of methane flux from marine sediments to the ocean. The model formulations and results will be uploaded onto an interactive multimedia website.

url: http://www.geo.uu.nl/Research/Geochemistry/

Contact Person:

Dr. Andy Dale email adale@geo.uu.nl.