Project title: Geochemistry of Gas Emissions in the Volcano-Tectonic environment of the Eastern Carpathians: geologic and social impact

Project code: PN-III-P1-1.1-TE-2019-1908

Project Acronim GEVTEC

Project duration: 01.09.2020-31.08.2022

Abstract

The project proposes a systematic geochemical investigation of the gas emissions in the volcano-tectonic environment of the southern part of the Eastern Carpathians. Our primary aims are to constrain the flux of CO2, the origin of the different gas species, their interaction, and their relationship with the geodynamic background. Another important aspect of our investigation is the mapping the gas emissions within inhabited areas and attention arousing for potential hazards. We propose a multidisciplinary assessment of the research topic, involving geochemistry, structural geology, geophysics, chemistry, mathematics, computer science and sociology. Our findings could be integrated to the global carbon estimations, currently missing from the worldwide evaluations and could help the establishment of a long-term monitoring system of the gases in the area. The outcome of the project would not be limited to a local investigation, but generally would add important clues to understand the dynamics of fluids in the studied geologic environment. Further innovative elements of the project are related to the data processing and management, implying a storage on a dynamic online platform, a geodatabase, that can integrate data on the gas emissions with background information on topography, geology, geotectonics, can facilitate data analysis, data retrievability and can be accessed to the scientific community well as for the public. 

Project objectives 

To define the source of carbon outgassing of the study area and the origin of the gases by mapping all the possible gas emissions, including free gases and bubbling gases (pools and springs which show degassing in the form of visible bubbles).
To calculate the carbon output (predominantly dissolved CO2) derived from the groundwater, with special attention to the sparkling mineral water springs.
To map the gas emissions present in inhabited areas, in the cellars of the houses. Considering the hazards that high concentrations of CO2 can produce in unsupervised places, it is crucial the mapping of these emissions and to raise awareness of the local inhabitants.
To identify the possible spots for future monitoring.

Scientific report for the first year

Project Members

  • Boglárka-Mercedesz Kis (project leader, Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Department of Geology )
  • Dan Mircea Tămaș (project leader, Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Department of Geology)
  • Andreea-Rebeka Zsigmond (senior researcher, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Faculty of Sciences and Arts, Department of Environmental Science)
  • István Szöllősi (researcher, Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the Hungarian line)
  • Boglárka Czellecz Boglárka Czellecz (researcher, Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Geography, Department of Geology)
  • Roland Szalay Roland Szalay (master student, Babeș-Bolyai University, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Department of Geography of the Hungarian line)

Collaborators

 Results

 

 
Babeș-Bolyai University, str. M.Kogălniceanu nr. 1, 400084, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
contact@mofetta.org