Master Project Example - Models of the formation of quick clays

Quick clays pose an important geohazard that has led to loss of life in many places, including in Norway. Quick clays can form in marine clays in which the initial saline pore water has been replaced by fresh water. There are several ideas of how the replacement of porewater takes place, but to date we lack a model that can predict where we will likely find quick clays. First tests using a computer model of the history of quick clays over the last 10,000 years showed that it is difficult to explain the freshening of these clays, and that we likely need to have a better look at the sedimentology of these clays to look for sand or silt layers that enhance groundwater flow. This project aims to improve a computer model of the freshening of quick clays over the Holocene by incorporating more realistic sedimentological data. We will focus on a quick clay research site near Trondheim. In cooperation with NGI and NTNU we will look at sediment data and map potential permeable flow paths. In addition, we will also make the model more realistic by incorporating data on topography, geology, porewater pressures. The project will iterate between modelling groundwater flow and sedimentology to find a model that explains the salinity and chemistry of groundwater at this location. This model can help us to explain the occurrence of quick clays here and in other locations in Norway.