Palaeohydrogeological Data Analysis and Model Testing (PADAMOT)

Welcome to PADAMOT - a resource for PALAEOHYDROGEOLOGY

What is palaeohydrogeology?

Palaeohydrogeology is the study of past changes in groundwater systems. Investigations look at the chemical and physical properties of both groundwater and rocks, including individual minerals in the rocks (see below). More discussion and illustrations are here. Mathematical simulations ('numerical modelling') of how groundwater systems might have evolved also help us to understand the theoretical possibilities. Modelling is based on scientific concepts and physical laws of how groundwater moves through rocks.

"A combination of observations on hydrochemical and isotopic differences in various groundwater zones of bodies, mineralogical data on the rock formations and the hydraulic properties of the same formations, which are then compiled to allow interpretation of the evolution of the rock-system over long intervals in the past."

'Palaeohydrogeology' in NEA, 1993

What is PADAMOT?

It's a research project on 'Palaeohydrogeological Data Analysis and Model Testing' in the 5th Framework Programme of the European Union. You'll find pages giving more information about the background and research activities and the consortium partners in PADAMOT. Our research is being carried out to provide scientific methods and data that can be used to test models and to improve our knowledge about what actually happened in the past. The specific aim of our project is to help in assessing the future long-term safety of radioactive wastes in underground repositories. Knowledge of past groundwater movements and compositions is useful in that context because what happened in the past is a guide to how contaminated groundwater might move in the future. Results from PADAMOT can be found in research highlights and databases.

Temporary picture until better ones are provided The 'growth zones' of minerals that have formed in past groundwaters are a source of palaeohydrogeological data.

In addition to providing information about PADAMOT, we aim to make this website a more general resource for palaeohydrogeology. You will find a bibliography, and a listing of relevant conferences. If you want further information, join our mailing list or e-mail specific questions or other feedback to us.

We hope you find this website interesting and useful!

PADAMOT Project Reports

The overview report and final reports of the 5 PADAMOT work packages are now available for public download. Please see the public documents page.

The PADAMOT consortium.


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