Characterising Earth Materials using Multi-Sensor Core Logger Analysis (Earth SCAn)

Project Description

Under the Climate Action Plan, Ireland faces challenges in the electricity, industry, agriculture, and land-use sectors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change effects, whilst driving technological changes in society. Responsible decision-making in these areas must be underpinned by robust research based on reliable data. This research requires accessible, state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure on the island of Ireland. The acquisition of a Multi-Sensor Core Logger (MSCL) will allow for the advanced characterisation of Earth materials (e.g. rock, soil and sediment), providing critical data for interdisciplinary research into climate change, engineering, energy, critical raw materials exploration, archaeology, food security, ecosystem services, groundwater, and geohazards. The utility of the MSCL will not only support academic institutions to deliver world-class research but, coupled with existing national infrastructure, will increase Ireland's capacity in national mapping and assessment programmes under state actors including Geological Survey Ireland, Marine Institute, Teagasc and Environmental Protection Agency.