Active Processes LaboratoryBig Science Questions

Essential issues revolve around fractures and scale effects in space and time

I – How do Mass, Momentum, and Energy, transfer and transform in fractured media

-THMCB Experiment

-Ore Deposits

II – How do we image and scale in fractured media

-Earthquake Cycle

-Characterizing structure

III – How do we engineer ultra-deep and large excavations

-Caverns

-Deep boreholes

IV – How do we better understand cloud processes to improve climate prediction

Approaches

Characterize -> Perturb -> Observe -> Exhume

Model

THMCB

Imaging[Direct/Indirect]

IV - Use a vertical shaft of 500 to 1000 m to generate clouds of varying properties

I, II, III

Sequence: HMTCB

Approach (cont’d)

Experimental DesignSpace

Time

Characterize

Characterize

Characterize

HMTCB

Ore Deposits HMTCB

EQ Cycle

PetroleumDrill-bitCloud C

Deep Excav

IV – (a) Warm cloud warmer than 0 C

(b) Mixed-phase cloud (down to -20C) aerosol (ice nuclei) electrical, turbulence, temp./ updraft, chemistry

Infrastructure

Physics

0.5 km

100m

Petroleum Campus

1 km

Test blocks

Cloud Physics Facility1. Big Science Question: How can we better understand cloud processes to

improve climate prediction?2. Approach: Use a vertical shaft of 500 to 1000 meters in depth to generate

clouds of varying properties.3. Experiments:a) Warm cloud (warmer than 0°C) – aerosol variability, turbulence effects,

temperature/updraft effects, aqueous chemistryb) Mixed-phase cloud (temperature down to ~ -20°C) – aerosol (ice nuclei)

effects, electrical effects, turbulence effects, temperature/updraft effects, aqueous and ice phase chemistry

4. Infrastructure: Vertical shaft of 500-1000 meters with diameter of 3-5 metersWork space at top and bottom of shaft with hoist at topPower, communications, internet, etc.Variable speed blower/air handler at top to force updraftMan access to shaft at all levels (man-way or hoist with cage)Air filtration systemAir chilling system (down to -20°C)Insulated, climate controlled vertical cylinder to run length of shaft (in segments) for mixed phase

cloud experimentsComputer and basic data recording and video equipment to be installed at multiple levels in the

shaft (all waterproofed)Turbulence generating fansOther equipment will be experiment dependent