In het kort
When
September 2024
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Ronald Vernes,
Programme manager project local authoritiesCall
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(Hydro)geology of Dutch border areas in 3D
‘H3O’ stands for ‘Hydrogeologische 3D-modellering van de Ondergrond’ (hydrogeological 3D modelling of the subsurface). The H3O programme consists of a series of projects focused on the Dutch border regions. In border areas where (hydro)geological maps and models from different countries converge but do not match. The projects of the H3O programme will ensure that they do from now on.
H3O-projects
The projects within the H3O programme are carried out by the Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN) in collaboration with its Belgian, German, and Dutch partners. The H3O projects aim to re-map the (hydro)geology of the subsurface in Dutch border areas, using existing, up-to-date Dutch and foreign data, knowledge, and information.
The aim of the H3O projects is to create a seamless link between the Dutch (hydro)geological models and those of neighbouring countries and vice versa. The models not only contribute to research but also to policy, management, and use related to the subsurface in the border regions.
Information barrier
Geological and hydrological processes do not respect national boundaries. Information from neighbouring countries is required to understand the structure and properties of the subsurface in border areas. Obtaining and combining (hydro)geological data and information from different countries has proven to be difficult. Regulatory frameworks can hinder access to this information, and the (hydro)geological classification, naming, and criteria vary from one country to another. Moreover, (hydro)geological information from neighbouring countries often does not match well due to differences in interpretation and detail.
New insights through close collaboration
Close collaboration between the Belgian, German, and Dutch experts within the H3O programme has succeeded in bridging the information barrier. The collaboration partners are listed at the bottom of this page.
The collection, mutual exchange, combination, and subsequent interpretation of existing data provides an up-to-date and as comprehensive as possible picture of the (hydro)geology of a border area, without national borders acting as a barrier. It enables more detailed mapping of rock layers. In addition, new rock layers can be identified and mapped. All this has led to new mutual insights, and has strengthened the knowledge position of all parties involved.
Unique to the H3O programme is the combination of different approaches. Using both shallow (mainly drilling data) and deeper (mainly seismic) data, GDN was able to create a separate (hydro)geological model for each H3O project.
Results of H3O programme
With the H3O programme, new and more comprehensive detailed information is now available. This information provides insight into the (hydro)geological subsurface of the border regions of the Netherlands and neighbouring countries. In addition, the results of the H3O projects form the basis for a regional update of the subsurface models available in the Dutch National Key Registry of the Subsurface (BRO).
New and growing insight into the (hydro)geological structure of the subsurface across national borders can contribute to good groundwater management and the management of (strategic) water resources. It can also support the search for geothermal energy and policy development for the energy transition. This makes the H3O programme interesting and valuable to government agencies, water companies, engineering firms, and knowledge institutions, among others.
For example, one of the outcomes of the H3O programme is a better and more detailed understanding of the fault patterns of the shallow subsurface. This newly available information can help contribute to optimise the protection of (strategic) water resources. It also provides relevant information on the purpose of the energy transition and the potential applications of geothermal energy.
Another result of the H3O programme is a more detailed mapping of rock layers from the Neogene and Palaeogene periods. These rock layers are becoming increasingly interesting and important as potential sources of geothermal energy supply.
Overview of H3O projects
These are the ongoing and completed projects within the H3O programme:
In progress:
⦁ H3O-Deep (completion expected in 2024)
⦁ H3O-Peelhorst & Venloslenk (completion expected in 2024)
⦁ H3O-Diep Zeeland (completion expected in 2024)
Completed:
⦁ H3O-De Voorkempen (completed in 2023)
⦁ H3O-Roerdalslenk Southeast (completed in 2019)
⦁ H3O-Roerdalslenk Northwest (completed in 2019)
⦁ H3O-De Kempen (completed in 2018; results available digitally)
⦁ H3O-Roerdalslenk (completed in 2014; results available digitally)
Collaboration partners
The Geological Survey of the Netherlands (GDN), is working with the following partners in the H3O programme:
The Netherlands:
- Province of Limburg
- Province of North Brabant
- Brabant Water
- WML Waterleiding Maatschappij Limburg
- Programmabureau KRW/DHZ Maasregio
Belgium:
- Vlaams Planbureau voor Omgeving
- Flanders Environment Agency
- VITO
- Geological Survey of Belgium of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences
Germany:
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