Ruhr Region Research Articles

The risk of fluid-injection-induced fault reactivation in carbonate reservoirs: an investigation of a geothermal system in the Ruhr region (Germany)

In this study, we investigate the potential for fluid-injection-induced fault reactivation and induced seismicity risk during simultaneous injection-extraction operation in a theoretical geothermal doublet system in a carbonate reservoir in the Ruhr region. Using a coupled three-dimensional thermo-hydro-mechanical approach, we investigate the probability of injection-induced fault rupture. We perform a sensitivity study assuming variability of the fault and matrix permeability, injection/production flow rates, well placement options, rock thermal properties, and evaluate the influence of thermally induced stresses. The ruptured fault areas were calculated based on a Coulomb friction law and a notion that the shear slip is controlled by the ratio of shear to effective normal stresses acting on a pre-existing plane of weakness in the in situ stress field configuration. Ruptured fault areas in the intrinsically not critically-stressed environment, using location-specific empirical correlations, were used to compute local moment magnitudes of potential earthquakes. Based on this study, we conclude that, in the long-term, thermally-induced stresses play a dominant role during fault reactivation and greatly increase the likelihood for induced seismicity. We, therefore, propose that a minimum safe distance between an injection well and a fault should be based primarily on the radius of a thermal plume generated during the expected lifetime of a geothermal system. Results from this study provide valuable insights for the development of future deep geothermal systems in the Ruhr region and other geothermal reservoirs worldwide.

Modeling sustainable mobility: Impact assessment of policy measures

Sociologically based models of complex systems can help to estimate the impact of policy measures on individuals and explain the resulting system dynamics. Using the example of the Ruhr region and the mobility of the people living there, the article demonstrates the concept of agent-based modeling, which draws on assumptions from analytical sociology and distinguishes between different types of actors. Simulation experiments conducted as part of the InnaMoRuhr project show significant differences in the behavior of these types, especially in their response to policy interventions. Policymakers should take this into account when planning and designing measures aimed at sustainable transformation.

Water infrastructure as a driver of regionalization in the Ruhr, Germany

ABSTRACT This paper argues that infrastructuring can be a driver of regionalization. Referring to the case of the Ruhr region in Germany, it shows how regional water governance outpaces other metropolitan governance initiatives in a context of competing regionalizations. The explanation for this result is strong output legitimacy attributed to the organization being in charge of waste water treatment. The Ruhr region has a long and ongoing history of city-regional collaboration, with regional planning and watershed management being the main functions that have found institutional anchors. In 1899, the Prussian government created the Emschergenossenschaft, an inter-municipal association responsible for waste water treatment, the sewage system and flood control. The Emscher Association gained prominence from the late 1990s onwards as it is responsible for the construction of a new sewage system and the regeneration of the Emscher River, which has been used for more than a century as an open sewer for industrial and municipal waste water. The case demonstrates that infrastructure regionalism opens new avenues of research.

Land degradation in the European Union—Where does the evidence converge?

AbstractLand degradation, as a compound of processes that affect land resources worldwide, is notoriously difficult to assess. In Europe, the European Commission has been pressed by the Court of Auditors (ECA) to invest in better understanding land degradation and desertification within the European Union. In the World Atlas of Desertification (WAD), the convergence of evidence (CoE) has been put forward as an integration mechanism to help focus attention on areas where human‐induced global land change issues (LCIs) are putting pressure on the planetary boundaries, potentially leading to land degradation. Rather than trying to map degradation itself, the CoE explores how many of these processes are simultaneously at play and where they occur. In this study, we tailor the CoE framework to the European Union through a more appropriate selection of regionally relevant LCIs and a focus on finer input data. Our analysis draws attention to areas in Europe confronted with specific environmental challenges (e.g., the Po Valley or the Ruhr region) and confirms that LCIs mostly accumulate in croplands and urban areas. We found that more LCIs consistently coincide with a specific Sustainable Development Goal indicator (SDG indicator 15.3.1, calculated using the Trends.Earth tool), signals a degrading status. However, our analysis also shows that many areas with a stable or improving status are subject to LCIs not considered in that indicator. We therefore advise including other indicators of land status and trends when assessing land degradation, while stressing that the link to contextual knowledge remains necessary for a final interpretation.

Transformation of the Ruhr Region: Industrial heritage and society

Transformation of the Ruhr Region: Industrial heritage and society

Migrant Organizations and Their Networks in the Co-Production of Social Protection

In contributing to the social protection of migrants, migrant organizations (MOs) have become an important player in the German welfare landscape. Through their activities, they fulfill a set of social functions and integrate into a dense network of various partners characterized by different dependencies and forms of cooperation but also potential conflict. Based on the results of a survey conducted in Germany’s Ruhr region between 2021 and 2022, this article examines the organizational characteristics and activities of 15 MOs and analyzes the nature of their networks. Two exemplary qualitative case studies, as well as a quantitative multilevel analysis, were carried out to assess how these organizations and their networks function in their co-production of social protection.

The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and its appeal to workers – with special reference to the Ruhr Region of Germany

The Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) and its appeal to workers – with special reference to the Ruhr Region of Germany

In situ stress database of the greater Ruhr region (Germany) derived from hydrofracturing tests and borehole logs

Abstract. Between 1986 and 1995, 429 hydrofracturing tests have been carried out in six now-abandoned coal mines and two coal bed methane boreholes at depths between 600 and 1950 m within the greater Ruhr region in western Germany. From these tests, stress magnitudes and orientations of the stress tensor are derived. The majority of hydrofracturing tests were carried out from mine galleries away from mine workings in a relatively undisturbed rock mass. These data along with detailed information have been disclosed recently. In combination with already published material, we provide the first comprehensive stress database of the greater Ruhr region. Our study summarises the results of the extensive in situ stress test campaign and assigns quality to each data record using the established quality ranking schemes of the World Stress Map project. The stress magnitudes suggest predominantly strike-slip stress regime, where the magnitude of the minimum horizontal stress, Shmin, is half of the magnitude of the maximum horizontal stress, SHmax, implying that the horizontal differential stress is high. We observe no particular change in the stress gradient at depth throughout the Carboniferous layers and no significant difference between tests carried out in coal mines and deep boreholes. The mean SHmax orientation varies between 133 ± 13∘ in the westernmost located Friedrich Heinrich coal mine and 168 ± 23∘ in the easternmost located Westphalia coal mine. The mean SHmax orientation, based on 87 data records from this and already published studies, of 161 ± 43∘ is in good agreement with the regional stress orientation observed in northwestern Europe. The presented public database provides in situ stress magnitude and stress orientation data records that are essential for the calibration of geomechanical numerical models on regional and/or reservoir scales for, among others, assessing stability issues of borehole trajectories, caverns, and georeservoirs in general. For an application example of this database, we estimate slip and dilation tendencies of major geological discontinuities, discovered during the 700-year-long coal mining activities in the region. The result, although burdened by high uncertainties, shows that the discontinuities striking in the N–S and NW–SE directions have a higher slip tendency compared to the ones striking ENE–WSW and NNW–SSE, whereas a high dilation tendency is observed for discontinuities striking NNW–SSE and a low dilation tendency for the ones striking ENE–WSW. The stress orientation database is available under https://doi.org/10.24406/fordatis/200 (Kruszewski et al., 2022a), the stress magnitude database is available under https://doi.org/10.24406/fordatis/201 (Kruszewski et al., 2022b), whereas the hydrofracturing test reports are available under https://doi.org/10.24406/fordatis/222 (Kruszewski et al., 2022c).

How can challenges in left behind places be addressed? Learning from Greater Lille, Nantes, the Ruhr region, San Antonio and Estonia.

Addressing issues of regional inequalities and supporting ‘left behind’ regions is a global issue, but analysis of international regions that have successfully levelled up is limited. Developing and implementing effective place-based policies is critical for recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic but remains an under-explored issue. This paper provides insight into different policies and tools used to support left-behind places. Comparing experiences of addressing socio-economic challenges in Greater Lille, Nantes, the Ruhr region, San Antonio and Estonia, it discusses what ingredients for successfully addressing inequalities are, what has worked well, and future challenges. It identifies seven “foundations” for levelling up and stresses the importance of levelling up “within” regions and not just levelling up “of” regions given how despite economic growth in the case study places, clear socio-economic disparities continue to exist. In particular, it debates opportunities to support levelling up through financial management and governance tools.

RUHR BÖLGESİ’NDE YER ALAN KÖMÜR İŞLETME TESİSLERİNİN DÖNÜŞÜMÜNDEKİ KISTASLARIN ZONGULDAK ÜZÜLMEZ TAŞKÖMÜRÜ İŞLETME MÜESSESİ İÇİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Coal production, which has a large share among the world's energy resources, has also created an important industry branch in Turkey. The businesses in this area continued their existence within the borders of Turkey from the Ottoman Period to the Republican Period. The Ruhr Area, located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, which was the pioneer of industrialization movements in Europe in the 19th century, has become the center of coal production. The facilities involved in coal production not only have tangible cultural heritage elements belonging to original production processes and building materials, but also contain intangible elements of the cultural and social life of the society they belong to. With the destruction of coal production in the industrialized countries and the emergence of alternative clean energy sources, it was decided to close these enterprises over time. With this transition, coal mine processing plants located in the Ruhr Region and incorporating intangible and tangible periodical elements have been evaluated within the scope of adaptive reuse as a cultural heritage. In Turkey, on the other hand, coal production maintains its importance among energy sources. Since the economic benefit obtained from coal production is at the forefront, the change and destruction of the building groups in the production area is seen as normal. For this reason, it is important to record and document the coal mine processing plants, which are in danger of extinction. In this context, attention has been drawn to the potential potential of certain construction sites in Zonguldak belonging to the establishments and operating directorates of the Turkish Hard Coal Authority, which can be evaluated within the scope of adaptive reuse examples in the Ruhr Region. The aim of the study is to increase the awareness of these building groups in order to protect the coal-based industrial heritage and to develop criteria that will allow appropriate use transformation scenarios in line with the needs of the region.

Regional Differences in Thyroid Function Parameters: A Comparison of European Cohort Studies

The aim of the project was to investigate regional differences in thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations and iodine status in comparable German and European cohort studies. Sex- and age-stratified TSH, fT4, and urine iodine concentrations of thyroid-healthy participants (age group 45-75 years) of the HNR (Heinz Nixdorf Recall) Study in the Ruhr region of Germany, the southern German KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Augsburg Region) and northeastern German SHIP (Study of Health in Pomerania) studies, as well as the Norwegian HUNT (Nord-Trøndelag Health) study (age group 40-79 years), the English EPIC (European Prospective Investigation of Cancer)-Norfolk study, and the Dutch Rotterdam study were compared. The TSH reference range for the HNR study population was calculated and compared to the KORA and SHIP studies. Regional differences showed a stronger influence on TSH and fT4 concentrations than sex and age of the subjects in the 45- to 75-year age group. The estimated difference in medians, as measured by the HNR study, was lowest in the SHIP study, -0.47 (95% CI: -0.53; -0.41) for men and -0.41 (-0.53; -0.41) for women. The Rotterdam study had the highest difference in medians for both men and women (men: 0.56 with 0.44; 0.68 and women: 0.62 with 0.46; 0.78). The lowest median TSH concentrations, across all age categories considered, were seen in the German cohorts. Comparison of thyroid function parameters and iodine in elderly subjects between six comparable cohort studies from Germany and Europe showed a significant influence of region, which exceeded the sex and age dependence of the parameters.

3D in situ stress state modelling and fault reactivation risk exemplified in the Ruhr region (Germany)

Throughout the 700-yearlong coal exploration period in the Ruhr region, an abundance of geological, geophysical, seismic, and in situ stress data was obtained from the Carboniferous strata. In this study, we take advantage of this unique dataset to develop a static 3D geomechanical model to predict the spatially continuous distribution of undisturbed in situ stress state and evaluate the reactivation risk of major fault zones. Compared to the point-wise stress information, the spatially continuous in situ stress state provides an effective tool for planning subsurface operations and assessing seismic hazards in areas where no stress information is available. The developed model was validated against a comprehensive calibration dataset including results from geophysical logging, borehole deformation, and fault-slip analysis, in situ hydrofracturing measurements, distribution of subsidence, microseismicity, and observations from coal mining activities. Consequently, interpretation and assessment of the model results including their uncertainties, reliability, limitations, and perspectives are discussed. The possible applications of the model approach for seismic hazard prediction and utilization of deep geothermal energy in the Ruhr region are outlined.

In a New Light: Histories of Women and Energy

In a New Light: Histories of Women and Energy

How to avoid unjust energy transitions: insights from the Ruhr region

Abstract Background The transition of the Ruhr region in Germany from a hard coal belt into a knowledge-based economy with a dynamic service sector and state of the art universities over the past 60–80 years has been widely touted as a successful example of how just and fair low carbon energy transitions can unfold. Methods This paper leverages documentary analysis of data across a wide array of sources to test these claims and identify lessons by creating a novel just energy transition framework. Results The study finds economic motivation, mindset and reorientation—not environmental concerns—to be the defining features for at least the first two decades of this shift. The lack of willingness to acknowledge environmental impacts and market realities has delayed the transition and led to wasteful allocation of resources towards supporting the hard coal mining industry. The prominence given to distributional justice cushions the victims of this transition financially, but does not allow a broad based coalition to advance the transition process. It is in the second phase (mid-1980s onwards that we see procedural aspects of justice come forth and support greater ownership and sustainability of the transition to emerge, while the evidence of recognition justice continues to be scant. Conclusions There are many nuanced successes in the Ruhr’s example, along with some failures worth highlighting. It is in the breakdown of this transition into two distinct phases and their nuances (particularly in the domain of justice) that fresh insights emerge and allow for a better understanding of what constitutes a suitable energy transition in a particular socio-economic and political context. As the international community embarks on ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets, it can maximise the benefits and minimise the damages and costs by considering these realities on the ground.

Industrial heritage in tourism marketing: legitimizing post-industrial development strategies of the Ruhr Region, Germany

ABSTRACT Many post-industrial regions reinterpret their industrial past as a heritage resource for marketing purposes. This paper explores how two sites in the Ruhr area in Germany, Zollverein and Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, are narrated in marketing brochures with selective industrial heritage narratives. Industrial heritage is utilized for both immediate marketing purposes and as a tool for memory and identity politics. Through thematic analysis, we uncover that industrial heritage legitimizes the Ruhr – Europe’s largest post-industrial region – as a distinct region by providing a seemingly uncontested, neutral and universal industrial history targeted at a wide audience. Simultaneously, the established narratives reinterpret industrial heritage as places of consumption, valued for their aesthetics and facilities for sports, arts and leisure. Such a marketing practice attempts to tap into the growing demand for postmodern consumption of culture, and simultaneously justifies and institutionalizes a specific, consumption-driven post-industrial development strategy for the Ruhr. The study reveals how the marketing of a post-industrial region promotes a select set of industrial heritage narratives that aim to strengthen the region’s economic position in a neoliberal setting of interregional economic competition.

Needs and expectations of German and Chinese children for livable urban green spaces revealed by the method of empathy-based stories

One of the important features of cities is to provide high-quality outdoor environments for various groups of citizens. Although children are frequent users of green spaces, the knowledge and perspectives applied in planning and design of urban green spaces are mostly defined by adults. This results in spaces and practices that may limit the daily lives and creativity of urban children. Promoting child-friendly cities benefits from knowledge produced by children themselves, regarding their perceptions and experiences, as well as ideas and suggestions. This study provides empirical results concerning children’s needs and mental images for urban green spaces in two urban areas in two countries (Chengdu, China, and Ruhr Region, Germany). 765 children, ages 8–10 were surveyed through the method of empathy-based stories (MEBS). Participants were asked to use their imagination to write stories according to given scenarios. Our study shows that MEBS can be used to gather meaningful data with children, and that children are an important stakeholder group in urban planning, landscape design and management with an ability to express their diverse needs and preferences towards green spaces. Both designed green spaces (e.g. gardens, parks) and wild nature (e.g. forests, meadows) can offer a range of activities and experiences for children in their everyday lives: opportunities for play, socializing, contact with nature, aesthetic and restorative experiences, learning and exploration. Our findings include indications of children’s awareness of the diverse ecosystem services that green spaces provide, as well as of urban sustainability and livability. While we found German and Chinese children to have corresponding needs and expectations regarding urban green spaces and nature, we also found some variation. We suggest that the use of, and experiences in green spaces are linked not only to the landscape but also to conceptual-cultural contexts.

Trinkhallen Photography: The Many Visual Lives of the Ruhr Region’s Neighborhood Institution

Trinkhallen Photography: The Many Visual Lives of the Ruhr Region’s Neighborhood Institution

Pebbles on the Beach of the “Great Transformation”: Lesser Memories of Coal in the Ruhr Metropolis

Six decades ago, Germany’s Ruhr region began its slow transition out of coalmining and the coal-powered iron and steel industry. Over the last twenty years a blue economy has developed in their stead pivoting on the lead market ‘resource efficiency’, while the Ruhr Metropolis has gained recognition for the rehabilitation of its heavily polluted environment. This managed transition has seen the rise of eco-industries – sustainable energy production, research and development in universities, environmental technology companies, industrial heritage and nature tourism, as well as consumptive industries seen as eco-adjacent, foremost sports, leisure, arts and culture. These are central to an overarching strategy for the establishment of a sustainable, climate-resilient and future-proof Ruhr region and a globally significant investment site in the heart of Europe.

Longitudinal Rise in Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infections in Children in Western Germany-A Blind Spot in Epidemiology?

SARS-CoV-2 infection rates in children and adolescents are often underestimated due to asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic infections. Seroprevalence studies can reveal the magnitude of “silent” infections in this age group and help to assess the risk of infection for children but also their role in spreading the disease. In total, 2045 children and their parents from the Ruhr region were finally included after the exclusion of drop-outs. Seroconversion rates among children of all age groups increased from 0.5% to 8% during the study period and were about three to fourfold higher than the officially registered PCR-based infection rates. Only 41% recalled symptoms of infection; 59% were asymptomatic. In 51% of the infected children, at least one parent also developed SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Depending on local incidences, the rates of seroconversion rose to different levels during the study period. Although the dynamics of infection within the study cohort mirrors local incidence, the figure of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children and adolescents appears to be high. Reported contact with SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals in the same household carries a high risk of infection.

In Situ Stress State of the Ruhr Region (Germany) and Its Implications for Permeability Anisotropy

In this study, we carried out reactivation potential analysis of discontinuities revealed from four exploration boreholes penetrating heavily faulted and folded Upper Carboniferous rock strata of the Ruhr region. We performed this study based on the notion that slip is controlled by the ratio of shear to effective normal stresses acting on a pre-existing plane of weakness in the prevailing stress field configuration. The results of this analysis were supported by indicators of localized fluid flow, both on micro- and macro-scales, which confirm relationship between secondary permeability and in situ stress state in the Ruhr region. Findings from this study, in conjunction with results of destructive laboratory testing, indicate that the steep NW–SE- and NNE–SSW-striking planar discontinuities are likely to be either close to the critical state or critically stressed in the in situ stress configuration in the Ruhr region. These planar structures, as evidenced by indicators of localized permeability, are the main fluid pathways in the studied region. The NE–SW-striking discontinuities, on the other hand, are most likely to be closed and hydraulically inactive in the prevailing stress state. Based on results gained from this study, implications for utilization of deep geothermal energy in the region were discussed.