Research Themes and Projects

This cooperation project of the University of Joensuu and GTK studies the impact of forest drainage on the carbon stock of Finnish marshes and the total carbon stock – what happens to peat in different types of drained marshes and swamps? The three-year project is funded by the Academy of Finland. The project period is from 2009 to 2011.

TRT tests are used to study the thermal properties of energy wells. The test results offer data based on which it is possible to design and dimension geoenergy systems suitable for heating and/or cooling. GTK has been involved in the modelling of several geoenergy systems in Finland, and also in international cooperation developing a geoenergy method and equipment.

GTK has the equipment and expertise needed to monitor energy wells and energy fields by means of  Distributed Temperature Sensing or DTS. DTS is based on optically measuring the temperatures of an optical fibre with a DTS device. The method can be used to quickly and accurately determine the temperatures at different parts of a well. Temperature monitoring in a geoenergy generation field is recommended not only because of field monitoring purposes but also because of research purposes.

The nuclear waste management in Finland is based on final disposal into the bedrock. GTK has provided the geological and geophysical expertise required for the planning and implementation of the geological disposal concept. Since late 1970’s the nuclear waste disposal program has advanced to the stage where an underground research laboratory is currently under construction at the selected disposal site.

The project researches will give guidance to develop expertness on the natural resources as required in the international convention on climate change.