In Northwestern Europe, the Dinantian limestone formation, could be a promising geothermal reservoir from 1 kilometer deep for heat production in densely populated regions. In the 1970s and 1980s, scientific drilling in Belgium encountered hot water at high flow rates in this layer, turning these wells into productive geothermal sources for district heating (e.g., Saint-Ghislain, Douvrain, and Ghlin). However, similar wells in France (Jeumont and Condé-sur-l'Escaut) were not productive enough for economic viability due to the heterogeneous nature of the Dinantian reservoir, influenced by the region’s complex geological history.To enhance understanding of this formation, an interdisciplinary study was conducted under the INTERREG NWE DGE-Rollout project. This study involved creating a cross-border map of the Dinantian structure and building a lithological chart to represent variations across the region, including Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. The formation is mainly composed of carbonate rocks but also contains significant heterogeneities, such as sedimentary breccias within the middle Visean (Livian), identified as a geothermal reservoir in Belgium's Mons region.Seismic surveys and petrophysical analyses were conducted across Belgium, France, and Germany. Results showed five main facies in the Dinantian: limestone, dolomite, anhydrite, sandstone, and clay. The Epinoy 1 well, for instance, revealed low porosity in dolomitic facies, while Jeumont 1 showed higher porosity levels in dolomitic intervals. Seismic data reprocessing further identified key geothermal targets, with dolomitic zones offering better reservoir properties in the north and east.Temperature data from wells in the region are scarce, though the Epinoy 1 well shows a normal geothermal gradient of 30°C/km. Favorable areas for geothermal development were identified based on energy demand and geothermal resource availability. The largest zone is located between Douai and Valenciennes, with significant heat demand and an existing district heating network. Another zone, around Maubeuge, also holds potential despite deeper Dinantian depths.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2025
Many exotic animal species were introduced to Northern Europe during the Roman period, including fallow deer (Dama dama). To date, however, finds of fallow deer bones at archaeological sites in this region have been sporadic and disarticulated, leaving uncertainty over their origins. This article presents the first known articulated fallow deer skeleton from Roman North-western Europe. Osteological, ancient DNA, radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analyses confirm that the species was established in this region by the Roman period, probably originating from translocated, rather than native, Mediterranean populations. Clarifying the origins of fallow deer in North-western Europe is critical for understanding the dynamics of species exchange around the Roman Empire.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2020
DNA collections are a valuable type of Natural Science collection, enabling the validation of past research, serving as a source for new genomic studies and supporting ex situ conservation. The DiSSCo Flanders DNA collection working group, aiming to advance and "unlock" their DNA collections, identified the need for: 1) actively sharing best practices regarding the management of DNA collections; and 2) providing guidance on how to bring theory into practice. By combining best practice examples from within the working group with available literature and brainstorming ideas, the working group co-created two outputs, referred to as: the "Challenges" and the "Key". The Challenges are a list of obstacles to DNA collection management, which shape the structure of the linked Key and can also be used to spark discussion amongst stakeholders. The Key is a tool that guides users through the maturation process of their DNA collection in a standardised way. It stimulates holistic growth, breaks down the needed work into manageable steps and helps to decide priorities during the process. Furthermore, the Key facilitates communication with both internal stakeholders and external DNA collection managers. The Key distinguishes itself from other self-assessment tools in several ways: it includes (re)investigation of the collection’s purpose and context; it is specialised for DNA collections; it delivers concrete goals linked to relevant information and shared experience; and it is inclusive, targeting all Natural Science DNA collections, regardless of their context or size.
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RBINS Staff Publications 2024
