Understanding heat transport is a critical challenge in multiple scientific field, from nuclear fusion to environmental hydrology. A novel frequency domain method, initially designed for tracking heat transport in fusion plasmas, is now enabling breakthroughs in groundwater research, illustrating the power of interdisciplinary collaboration.

At the Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER), researchers have long been engaged in refining methods for estimating heat and particle transport in fusion reactors. Matthijs van Berkel, group leader of Energy Systems and Control at DIFFER, has worked extensively on heat flux modelling to predict and control plasma behaviour. Such estimations are vital for optimizing reactor efficiency and safeguarding plasma-facing components from excessive thermal loads.

By applying mathematical models to spatial variations in heat transport, researchers have been able to predict plasma behaviour more accurately. These methodologies are crucial to ITER and EUROfusion projects, where effective heat control dictates reactor performance and longevity.

A serendipitous discovery emerged when Matthijs van Berkel met Professor Gerd Vandersteen from Vrije Universiteit Brussel. While van Berkel focused on plasma heat transport, Vandersteen’s team was developing similar models to estimate water fluxes in hydrology. This intersection of ideas led to an improved frequency domain method capable of estimating vertical streambed fluxes and sediment thermal properties.

The collaboration led to a new research avenue. Ricky van Kampen, a PhD student supported by DIFFER and EUROfusion, expanded on this work, integrating the method into both fusion plasma analysis and groundwater studies. By applying these techniques to hydrology, researchers could assess the mixing of groundwater and surface water, a crucial factor in understanding contaminant transport and water quality.

In joint efforts with Vrije Universiteit Brussel, the University of Birmingham, and UNSW Sydney, researchers deployed multi-level temperature sensors to gather data on groundwater temperatures. These sensors recorded temperature variations at different depths every few minutes, generating an extensive dataset that allowed the team to pinpoint hotspots and predict groundwater flow dynamics.

This approach provided a new perspective on pollutant movement and allowed for better regulatory strategies to protect water quality. By utilizing fusion-derived modeling techniques, scientists gained a tool to monitor groundwater mixing and its impact on contamination more precisely than ever before.

Ricky van Kampen refined the methodology further, comparing multiple models to enhance accuracy. The application of these techniques extended beyond Dutch groundwater systems to Belgian river networks, enabling higher-resolution hydrological assessments. This wealth of data is forming the foundation for future hydrology research, opening new opportunities for refining transport models and improving environmental monitoring.

This fusion-inspired success story showcases the remarkable potential of cross-disciplinary research. By adapting cutting-edge heat transport modelling from nuclear fusion to environmental sciences, scientists have unlocked a valuable tool for understanding groundwater behaviour, demonstrating how scientific progress in one field can drive innovation in another.