Huseynov studied how fluids migrate through the Earth’s crust and influence geological processes such as mineral formation, tectonic activity, and ore deposit generation. His core question was: what are the origins, pathways, and timing of this fluid movements, and how did these processes shape mineral resources?
Scientific and social
The question is both scientific and social. Scientifically, fluid migration controls the formation of mineral veins, reactivation of faults, and long-term crustal evolution. Socially, it directly impacts the availability of critical raw materials and informs strategies for resource exploration, CO₂ storage, and nuclear waste disposal.
Using a combination of fieldwork and lab research, Huseynov showed that the movement of underground fluids is far more complex and long-lasting than previously thought. “By studying quartz veins in rocks from Germany and Portugal, I found that fluids came from different sources—rainwater, seawater, and deeper underground fluids—and mixed as they moved through cracks in the Earth', says Huseynov. “These movements did not happen all at once but over millions of years, sometimes reusing old fractures created by tectonic forces.”
Valuable mineral deposits and underground storage
His most important conclusion is that the history of fluid flow is closely tied to the creation of valuable mineral deposits and the shaping of the Earth’s crust.
Huseynov: "My research shows how the hidden movement of underground fluids shapes how we use resources today and the risks we deal with. For industry, this research helps in the search for critical raw materials, such as rare metals needed for smartphones, wind turbines, and electric cars. For society, it improves our ability to assess whether the Earth’s crust can safely store CO₂ or nuclear waste—two pressing issues in the fight against climate change and environmental safety.”
“For example, by understanding how fluids once moved through rocks in Germany and Portugal, we can predict where valuable minerals may have collected and whether those same rocks could reliably hold CO₂ without leaks. These applications are not just long-term visions: mineral exploration can benefit immediately, while safe storage solutions may be developed in the coming decades as governments and industries push for carbon neutrality.”
Huseynovs PhD defense takes place on 15 October.