Understanding the formation, movement, and host-rock interaction of upper crustal aqueous fluids on Earth, from rock grain to tectonic plate scale

Fluids play a critical role in the evolution and chemical modification of the Earths crust. They control heat and mass transfer, mineral reactions, and deformation processes.

The movement and physio/chemical interaction of aqueous geofluids with rocks in the Earths upper crust is thereby fundamental for critical raw material mineralisation and the formation of geothermal fluid flow systems.

With the rapidly increasing global demand for raw materials, the EU faces significant challenges regarding its dependencies on access to raw materials.

Fluid movement in the upper crust is, by its nature, controlled by an interaction of physical and chemical processes that can operate from the tectonic plate to the microscopic rock grain scales.

Fully understanding these complex systems inherently requires a multidisciplinary/multiscale approach using cutting edge structural geology, mineralogy/petrology, geochemical and geophysical tools.

ForMovFluid proposes to adopt new and existing laboratory and field techniques in these geoscience sub-disciplines to address key knowledge gaps related to fluid flow drivers, pathways, and fluid/rock reactions.

In doing so, the objective of ForMovFluid is to train 15 doctoral researchers in cutting edge geoscience field and laboratory techniques and broader professional skills to develop future leaders in the field.

This will contribute significantly to addressing the climate emergency by developing novel solutions for the energy transition that hinges on enhanced access to hydrothermal-hosted critical metal deposits, as highlighted in the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.

The aims of ForMovFluid are to further our understanding of the movement and physio/chemical interaction of aqueous fluids with rocks in a variety of tectonic settings in the Earths upper crust, and to establish a long-term pan-sector research network that will go on to contribute to European geofluid research and to underpin Europes raw material and geothermal sectors.