Glasgow’s underground observatory takes temperature of city’s mine water
The UK Geoenergy Observatory in Glasgow has completed a first survey of the water circulating in abandoned mines lying up to 88 m below the city.
28/07/2021 By BGS Press
Scientists completed pumping tests and collected samples from 10 of the observatory’s 12 boreholes, which range from 16-199 m deep and are fitted with hundreds of state-of-the-art sensors.
The survey has yielded important baseline data on the status of the mine systems.
The results also confirm that scientists will be able to use the boreholes to better understand how thermal energy in mine water could be used as a renewable energy source for homes and industry.
Read the full update on the UK Geoenergy Observatories website
Media contact information
Notes to editors
Where is the Glasgow Observatory?
About the 12 boreholes
The boreholes range in drilled length from 16 to 199m. They have been positioned so that scientists can:
- extract 180 m of rock core samples
- build up an accurate model of the geology below
- measure water temperature, flow and chemistry underground
- model the underground water systems
- measure the potential for mine water heat energy and heat storage
- provide baseline information on soil and surface water chemistry and ground gases nearby
Relative topics
Related news
New publication shows geological supply of bismuth is greater than previously understood
17/05/2022
A new publication highlights the wide-ranging geological availability of bismuth, a critical raw material that has historically been overlooked in academic research.
Clean Energy Beneath Our Feet launches at Glasgow Science Centre
23/02/2022
A new interactive exhibition has launched at Glasgow Science Centre, inspired by the work of the UK Geoenergy Observatories.
UK set for groundbreaking underground observatory in Cheshire
09/02/2022
The UK Geoenergy Observatories project will deliver a second underground observatory for the UK after it was granted planning permission on Wednesday 9 February.
Important new report outlines status of geological storage of carbon dioxide in Europe
22/12/2021
The latest news on the status of geological storage of carbon dioxide in Europe is outlined in a comprehensive new report from CO2GeoNet.
Evidence Week 2021
15/12/2021
Representatives from BGS took part in Evidence Week 2021 to talk to parliamentarians about unlocking the potential of geothermal energy in the UK.
Prof Dame Ottoline Leyser visits Glasgow underground observatory
12/11/2021
The Glasgow Observatory provides unprecedented access to the subsurface and will fill in the knowledge gaps around geothermal energy.
The scientists going underground in search of answers to energy storage
04/11/2021
Finding answers to some of our planet’s biggest challenges can require scientists to carry out their work in the most extraordinary of environments.
Foundations for a future net zero city?
01/11/2021
The space beneath our cities can play a vital role in supporting climate resilient urban spaces.
Underground energy storage: supporting the transition to net zero carbon emissions
25/08/2021
Underground storage for renewable energy resources could be a viable green solution as we transition to a net zero UK.
BEIS launches Climate Services for a Net Zero Resilient World (CS-N0W)
19/08/2021
A new programme will produce world-class research and advice to help the UK deliver on net zero targets.
BGS to help further carbon dioxide monitoring research at Sutton Bonington
03/08/2021
BGS is part of a research project that will consider the feasibility of using quantum gravity sensors to monitor carbon capture and storage sites.
Glasgow’s underground observatory takes temperature of city’s mine water
28/07/2021
The UK Geoenergy Observatory in Glasgow has completed a first survey of the water circulating in abandoned mines lying up to 88 m below the city.