Overview
The discovery and management of raw material and groundwater resources in Ireland is critically dependent on the existence of high quality models of the subsurface. Building on the existing national databases for the minerals and groundwater industries, iCRAG’s 3D Ireland research is developing refined 3D geological models for the Irish subsurface which will underpin future exploration efforts for minerals and groundwater. Our research brings together high quality datasets from industry, academia and government sources to develop the most coherent model of the economically important Carboniferous geology of Ireland. Current and future exploration efforts in Ireland are targeting more subtle, deeper or complex prospects. The discovery of these prospects places greater technical demands on geoscientists. Through the 3D Ireland model, iCRAG is responding to these demands to provide a better backdrop to mineral exploration and minerals research.
Research activities are focussed on the following areas:
- Development of 3D model of the Irish Carboniferous
- Creation of digital database for the Lower Carboniferous
- Improved understanding of the structural and stratigraphic evolution of Carboniferous basins