Reactions in vadose zones using gas geochemistry

涉及永久性气体的反应（例如，由于人们对与工业开垦活动、气候变化的联系的认识提高，以及人们希望更好地了解自然系统中的生物和地球化学相互作用，地下环境中的二氧化碳（O2、CO2和CH4）的重要性日益增加。该研究计划的长期目标是对气态CO2和O2以及包气带（从地表延伸到地下水位的区域）中其他气体的命运和运输进行严格的了解。在今后五年内，将在大型实验室规模（65吨）和自然现场对这些气体和相关稳定同位素的浓度进行详细测量，开发和（或）测试测量包气带气体浓度和通量的新技术，确定同位素相对丰度的控制，这些新的知识被用来改进它们在包气带中相互作用的计算机模型。从历史上看，这一研究计划产生了强大的研究成果，包括原始科学，对加拿大的资源部门产生了重大影响，为关键活动提供信息，包括矿山废物的长期影响评估，矿山复垦替代方案，以及开发和监测补救技术。根据拟议的研究目标，预计该计划将继续取得成功。五个硕士生将在这个计划的期限内进行培训。

Reactions involving permanent gases (e.g., O2, CO2 and CH4) in the subsurface are increasingly of importance due to heightened awareness of linkages with industrial reclamation activities, climate change, and a desire to better understand bio- and geo-chemical interactions in natural systems. The long-term goal of this research program is to develop a rigorous understanding of the fate and transport of gaseous CO2 and O2, and other gases in vadose zones (the zone that extends from ground surface to the water table). In the next five years, detailed measurements of the concentrations of these gases and associated stable isotopes will be conducted through vadose zones at both a large laboratory scale (65 tons) and at a natural field site, new techniques to measure concentrations and fluxes of gases in vadose zones developed and/or tested, controls on relative abundance of isotopes determined, and this new knowledge used to advance computer models of their interaction in the vadose zone. Historically, this research program has produced strong research outcomes, including original science that has had a significant impact on Canada's resource sector by providing information for key activities including assessment of long-term impacts of mine wastes, mine reclamation alternatives, and the development and monitoring of remediation techniques. Based on the proposed research objectives, continued success of this program is anticipated. Five MSc students will be trained over the term of this program.