Opportunities for Characterizing Geological Flows Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Abstract

Summary Geological flows—from mudslides to volcanic eruptions—are often opaque and consist of multiple interacting phases. Scaled laboratory geological experiments using analog materials have often been limited to optical imaging of flow exteriors or ex situ measurements. Geological flows often include internal phase transitions and chemical reactions that are difficult to image externally. Thus, many physical mechanisms underlying geological flows remain unknown, hindering model development. We propose using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to enhance geosciences via non-invasive, in situ measurements of 3D flows. MRI is currently used to characterize the interior dynamics of multiphase flows, distinguishing between different chemical species as well as gas, liquid, and solid phases, while quantitatively measuring concentration, velocity, and diffusion fields. This perspective describes the potential of MRI techniques to image dynamics within scaled geological flow experiments and the potential of technique development for geological samples to be transferred to other disciplines utilizing MRI.

Go with the fluorescent flow

“…8 It is apparent there is truly interdisciplinary crosstalk at the junction of these fields, not specifically just when considering quinones, but also thinking about understanding complex flow scenarios in the human body, in the environment, and in this case, in electrochemical cells. Scientists are beginning to make these connections 9 and trying to work together to understand unique applications, all of which have some sort of engineering insights at their core.…”

Exploring the Intersection of Geophysics and Diagnostic Imaging in the Health Sciences

“…MRI was first designed to map geological features beneath the surface of Earth. Through non-invasive visualization of interior anatomy, early illness identification, and surgical intervention guidance, this interdisciplinary synergy has revolutionized diagnostic medicine [ 24 ].…”

Experimental Investigation on Flow Behavior of Paste Slurry Transported by Gravity in Vertical Pipes

“…It is, therefore, necessary to examine how backfill slurry flows change with vertical pipe depth and to monitor flow parameters by adopting some investigative tools. Currently, a range of techniques, including optical methods [13,14], X-ray or gammaray scanning [15,16] and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [17,18] are applied to measure fluid flows. However, each of these techniques has its advantages and inherent limitations.…”

“…This paper intends to evaluate the flow behavior of paste slurry transported by gravity flow. Two L-shaped pipeline systems with ERT were designed and manufactured to visualize flow regimes and measure the axial velocity and pipe pressure of paste slurry in Currently, a range of techniques, including optical methods [13,14], X-ray or gammaray scanning [15,16] and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [17,18] are applied to measure fluid flows. However, each of these techniques has its advantages and inherent limitations.…”