Articles | Volume 7, issue 4
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-1109-2016
© Author(s) 2016. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-1109-2016
© Author(s) 2016. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Method article
| 
19 Jul 2016
Method article |
| 19 Jul 2016
Simulating stress-dependent fluid flow in a fractured core sample using real-time X-ray CT data
Tobias Kling
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Institute for Applied Geosciences (AGW), Karlsruhe Institute of
Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, 76131, Germany
Da Huo
School of Earth Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
94305-2210, USA
Jens-Oliver Schwarz
Institute for Geosciences, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz,
Mainz, 55128, Germany
Math2Market GmbH, Kaiserslautern, 67657, Germany
Frieder Enzmann
Institute for Geosciences, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz,
Mainz, 55128, Germany
Sally Benson
School of Earth Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
94305-2210, USA
Philipp Blum
Institute for Applied Geosciences (AGW), Karlsruhe Institute of
Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, 76131, Germany
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Fabien Koch, Philipp Blum, Heide Stein, Andreas Fuchs, Hans Jürgen Hahn, and Kathrin Menberg
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2024-29, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2024-29, 2024
Preprint under review for HESS
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In this study, we identify shifts in groundwater fauna due to natural or human impacts over two decades. We find no overall temporal and large-scale trends for fauna and abiotic parameters. However, at a local level, six monitoring wells show shifting or fluctuating faunal parameters. Our findings indicate that changes in surface conditions should be assessed in line with hydro-chemical parameters to better understand changes in groundwater fauna and to obtain reliable biomonitoring results.
Marco Fuchs, Anna Suzuki, Togo Hasumi, and Philipp Blum
Solid Earth, 15, 353–365, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-353-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-353-2024, 2024
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In this study, the permeability of a natural fracture in sandstone is estimated based only on its geometry. For this purpose, the topological method of persistent homology is applied to three geometric data sets with different resolutions for the first time. The results of all data sets compare well with conventional experimental and numerical methods. Since the analysis takes less time to the same amount of time, it seems to be a good alternative to conventional methods.
Christopher J. L. Wilson, Mark Peternell, Filomena Salvemini, Vladimir Luzin, Frieder Enzmann, Olga Moravcova, and Nicholas J. R. Hunter
The Cryosphere, 18, 819–836, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-819-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-18-819-2024, 2024
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As the temperature increases within a deforming ice aggregate, composed of deuterium (D2O) ice and water (H2O) ice, a set of meltwater segregations are produced. These are composed of H2O and HDO and are located in conjugate shear bands and in compaction bands which accommodate the deformation and weaken the ice aggregate. This has major implications for the passage of meltwater in ice sheets and the formation of the layering recognized in glaciers.
Jose M. Bastias Espejo, Chris Turnadge, Russell S. Crosbie, Philipp Blum, and Gabriel C. Rau
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 27, 3447–3462, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3447-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-27-3447-2023, 2023
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Analytical models estimate subsurface properties from subsurface–tidal load interactions. However, they have limited accuracy in representing subsurface physics and parameter estimation. We derived a new analytical solution which models flow to wells due to atmospheric tides. We applied it to field data and compared our findings with subsurface knowledge. Our results enhance understanding of subsurface systems, providing valuable information on their behavior.
Ruben Stemmle, Haegyeong Lee, Philipp Blum, and Kathrin Menberg
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-62, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-2023-62, 2023
Revised manuscript not accepted
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Using 3D numerical heat transpot models, this study quantifies the potential of low-temperature Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage (ATES) in an urban setting in Southwest Germany. Comparing the determined potential with existing heating and cooling demands shows substantial heating and cooling supply rates that could be achieved by a widespread application of ATES systems. The study also highlights possible greenhouse gas emission savings compared to conventional heating and cooling technologies.
José M. Bastías Espejo, Andy Wilkins, Gabriel C. Rau, and Philipp Blum
Geosci. Model Dev., 14, 6257–6272, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-6257-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-14-6257-2021, 2021
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The hydraulic and mechanical properties of the subsurface are inherently heterogeneous. RHEA is a simulator that can perform couple hydro-geomechanical processes in heterogeneous porous media with steep gradients. RHEA is able to fully integrate spatial heterogeneity, allowing allocation of distributed hydraulic and geomechanical properties at mesh element level. RHEA is a valuable tool that can simulate problems considering realistic heterogeneity inherent to geologic formations.
Sina Hale, Xavier Ries, David Jaeggi, and Philipp Blum
Solid Earth, 12, 1581–1600, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1581-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1581-2021, 2021
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The construction of tunnels leads to substantial alterations of the surrounding rock, which can be critical concerning safety aspects. We use different mobile methods to assess the hydromechanical properties of an excavation damaged zone (EDZ) in a claystone. We show that long-term exposure and dehydration preserve a notable fracture permeability and significantly increase strength and stiffness. The methods are suitable for on-site monitoring without any further disturbance of the rock.
Fabien Koch, Kathrin Menberg, Svenja Schweikert, Cornelia Spengler, Hans Jürgen Hahn, and Philipp Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 25, 3053–3070, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3053-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-25-3053-2021, 2021
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In this study, we address the question of whether groundwater fauna in an urban area is natural or affected in comparison to forested land. We find noticeable differences in the spatial distribution of groundwater species and abiotic parameters. An ecological assessment reveals that conditions in the urban area are mainly not good. Yet, there is no clear spatial pattern in terms of land use and anthropogenic impacts. These are significant findings for conservation and usage of urban groundwater.
Arne Jacob, Markus Peltz, Sina Hale, Frieder Enzmann, Olga Moravcova, Laurence N. Warr, Georg Grathoff, Philipp Blum, and Michael Kersten
Solid Earth, 12, 1–14, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1-2021, 2021
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In this work, we combined different imaging and experimental measuring methods for analysis of cross-scale effects which reduce permeability of tight reservoir rocks. Simulated permeability of digital images of rocks is often overestimated, which is caused by non-resolvable clay content within the pores of a rock. By combining FIB-SEM with micro-XCT imaging, we were able to simulate the true clay mineral abundance to match experimentally measured permeability with simulated permeability.
Gabriel C. Rau, Mark O. Cuthbert, R. Ian Acworth, and Philipp Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 24, 6033–6046, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6033-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-24-6033-2020, 2020
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This work provides an important generalisation of a previously developed method that quantifies subsurface barometric efficiency using the groundwater level response to Earth and atmospheric tides. The new approach additionally allows the quantification of hydraulic conductivity and specific storage. This enables improved and rapid assessment of subsurface processes and properties using standard pressure measurements.
Chaojie Cheng, Sina Hale, Harald Milsch, and Philipp Blum
Solid Earth, 11, 2411–2423, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2411-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2411-2020, 2020
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Fluids (like water or gases) within the Earth's crust often flow and interact with rock through fractures. The efficiency with which these fluids may flow through this void space is controlled by the width of the fracture(s). In this study, three different physical methods to measure fracture width were applied and compared and their predictive accuracy was evaluated. As a result, the mobile methods tested may well be applied in the field if a number of limitations and requirements are observed.
Swarup Chauhan, Kathleen Sell, Wolfram Rühaak, Thorsten Wille, and Ingo Sass
Geosci. Model Dev., 13, 315–334, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-315-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-13-315-2020, 2020
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We present CobWeb 1.0, a graphical user interface for analysing tomographic images of geomaterials. CobWeb offers different machine learning techniques for accurate multiphase image segmentation and visualizing material specific parameters such as pore size distribution, relative porosity and volume fraction. We demonstrate a novel approach of dual filtration and dual segmentation to eliminate edge enhancement artefact in synchrotron-tomographic datasets and provide the computational code.
Gabriel C. Rau, Vincent E. A. Post, Margaret Shanafield, Torsten Krekeler, Eddie W. Banks, and Philipp Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 23, 3603–3629, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3603-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-23-3603-2019, 2019
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The flow of water is often inferred from water levels and gradients whose measurements are considered trivial despite the many steps and complexity of the instruments involved. We systematically review the four measurement steps required and summarise the systematic errors. To determine the accuracy with which flow can be resolved, we quantify and propagate the random errors. Our results illustrate the limitations of current practice and provide concise recommendations to improve data quality.
Susanne A. Benz, Peter Bayer, Gerfried Winkler, and Philipp Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 22, 3143–3154, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-3143-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-22-3143-2018, 2018
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Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges modern society faces. Increasing temperatures are observed both above ground and, as discussed here, in the groundwater – the source of most drinking water. Within Austria average temperature increased by 0.7 °C over the past 20 years, with an increase of more than 3 °C in some wells and temperature decrease in others. However, these extreme changes can be linked to local events such as the construction of a new drinking water supply.
Daniel Schweizer, Philipp Blum, and Christoph Butscher
Solid Earth, 8, 515–530, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-515-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-515-2017, 2017
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Any 3-D geological model is subject to uncertainty. We applied the concept of information entropy in order to visualize and quantify changes in uncertainty between geological models based on different types of geological input data. Furthermore, we propose two measures, the city-block and the Jaccard distance, to directly compare dissimilarities between models. The presented approach helps to locate areas of uncertainty within the model domain and quantify model improvements due to added data.
Kathleen Sell, Erik H. Saenger, Andrzej Falenty, Marwen Chaouachi, David Haberthür, Frieder Enzmann, Werner F. Kuhs, and Michael Kersten
Solid Earth, 7, 1243–1258, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-1243-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-1243-2016, 2016
Georg H. Grathoff, Markus Peltz, Frieder Enzmann, and Stephan Kaufhold
Solid Earth, 7, 1145–1156, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-1145-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-1145-2016, 2016
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This study improves our understanding of the evolution of pores in shales for modelling transport properties. 3-D microscopy on early and postmature Posidonia Shales showed similar porosities and pore size distributions. Large isolated pore clusters are within carbonates and clay minerals. Pores form during maturation in the postmature-matrix-filling organic matter. Modelled permeabilities are lowest perpendicular to bedding. They decrease with increasing maturity and are comparable to experimental data.
Steven Henkel, Dieter Pudlo, Frieder Enzmann, Viktor Reitenbach, Daniel Albrecht, Leonhard Ganzer, and Reinhard Gaupp
Solid Earth, 7, 917–927, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-917-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-917-2016, 2016
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This study investigates the experimentally induced effects of CO2 storage on underground reservoir sandstones by applying high-resolution computer tomography and standard petrophysical methods. The results of digital rock physic calculations derived from the µ-CT scans are compared with measurements achieved by the standard methods. Both approaches lead to similar results for coarse- and medium-grained sandstones but differ for fine-grained sediments.
Faisal Khan, Frieder Enzmann, and Michael Kersten
Solid Earth, 7, 481–492, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-481-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-481-2016, 2016
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X-ray microtomography image processing involves artefact reduction and image segmentation. The beam-hardening artefact is removed, applying a new algorithm, which minimizes the offsets of the attenuation data points. For the segmentation, we propose using a non-linear classifier algorithm. Statistical analysis was performed to quantify the improvement in multi-phase classification of rock cores using and without using our advanced beam-hardening correction algorithm.
M. Huebsch, F. Grimmeisen, M. Zemann, O. Fenton, K. G. Richards, P. Jordan, A. Sawarieh, P. Blum, and N. Goldscheider
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 19, 1589–1598, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-1589-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-19-1589-2015, 2015
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Two different in situ spectrophotometers, which were used in the field to determine highly time resolved nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) concentrations at two distinct spring discharge sites, are compared: a double and a multiple wavelength spectrophotometer. The objective of the study was to review the hardware options, determine ease of calibration, accuracy, influence of additional substances and to assess positive and negative aspects of the two sensors as well as troubleshooting and trade-offs.
K. Menberg, P. Blum, B. L. Kurylyk, and P. Bayer
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4453–4466, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4453-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4453-2014, 2014
M. Huebsch, O. Fenton, B. Horan, D. Hennessy, K. G. Richards, P. Jordan, N. Goldscheider, C. Butscher, and P. Blum
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 18, 4423–4435, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4423-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-18-4423-2014, 2014
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Using internal standards in time-resolved X-ray micro-computed tomography to quantify grain-scale developments in solid-state mineral reactions
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Development of multi-field rock resistivity test system for THMC
Raman spectroscopy in thrust-stacked carbonates: an investigation of spectral parameters with implications for temperature calculations in strained samples
Reconstructing post-Jurassic overburden in central Europe: new insights from mudstone compaction and thermal history analyses of the Franconian Alb, SE Germany
Failure mode transition in Opalinus Clay: a hydro-mechanical and microstructural perspective
Thermal equation of state of the main minerals of eclogite: Constraining the density evolution of eclogite during the delamination process in Tibet
Creep of CarbFix basalt: influence of rock–fluid interaction
Micromechanisms leading to shear failure of Opalinus Clay in a triaxial test: a high-resolution BIB–SEM study
Elastic anisotropies of rocks in a subduction and exhumation setting
Mechanical and hydraulic properties of the excavation damaged zone (EDZ) in the Opalinus Clay of the Mont Terri rock laboratory, Switzerland
The competition between fracture nucleation, propagation, and coalescence in dry and water-saturated crystalline rock
Effect of normal stress on the frictional behavior of brucite: application to slow earthquakes at the subduction plate interface in the mantle wedge
Measuring hydraulic fracture apertures: a comparison of methods
Extracting microphysical fault friction parameters from laboratory and field injection experiments
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Bilinear pressure diffusion and termination of bilinear flow in a vertically fractured well injecting at constant pressure
Frictional slip weakening and shear-enhanced crystallinity in simulated coal fault gouges at slow slip rates
The hydraulic efficiency of single fractures: correcting the cubic law parameterization for self-affine surface roughness and fracture closure
Magnetic properties of pseudotachylytes from western Jämtland, central Swedish Caledonides
The variation and visualisation of elastic anisotropy in rock-forming minerals
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Deformation mechanisms in mafic amphibolites and granulites: record from the Semail metamorphic sole during subduction infancy
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A new theoretical interpretation of Archie's saturation exponent
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Roberto Emanuele Rizzo, Damien Freitas, James Gilgannon, Sohan Seth, Ian B. Butler, Gina Elizabeth McGill, and Florian Fusseis
Solid Earth, 15, 493–512, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-493-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-493-2024, 2024
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Here we introduce a new approach for analysing time-resolved 3D X-ray images tracking mineral changes in rocks. Using deep learning, we accurately identify and quantify the evolution of mineral components during reactions. The method demonstrates high precision in quantifying a metamorphic reaction, enabling accurate calculation of mineral growth rates and porosity changes. This showcases artificial intelligence's potential to enhance our understanding of Earth science processes.
Marco Fuchs, Anna Suzuki, Togo Hasumi, and Philipp Blum
Solid Earth, 15, 353–365, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-353-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-353-2024, 2024
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In this study, the permeability of a natural fracture in sandstone is estimated based only on its geometry. For this purpose, the topological method of persistent homology is applied to three geometric data sets with different resolutions for the first time. The results of all data sets compare well with conventional experimental and numerical methods. Since the analysis takes less time to the same amount of time, it seems to be a good alternative to conventional methods.
Bruno Reynard and Xin Zhong
Solid Earth, 14, 591–602, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-591-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-591-2023, 2023
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Rocks are brought to great depths and back to the Earth's surface by the tectonic processes that shape mountain ranges. Tiny mineral inclusions can record how deep rocks went. Quartz, a common mineral inclusion, was put in the laboratory at conditions that mimic those encountered at depths to about 100 km. A laser-based spectroscopy (Raman) was calibrated to read pressure from quartz inclusions in rocks and to unravel their deep travel.
Jianwei Ren, Lei Song, Qirui Wang, Haipeng Li, Junqi Fan, Jianhua Yue, and Honglei Shen
Solid Earth, 14, 261–270, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-261-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-14-261-2023, 2023
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A THMC multi-field rock resistivity test system is developed, which has the functions of rock triaxial and resistivity testing under the conditions of high and low temperature, high pressure, and high salinity water seepage. A sealing method to prevent the formation of a water film on the side of the specimen is proposed based on the characteristics of the device. The device is suitable for studying the relationship between rock mechanical properties and resistivity in complex environments.
Lauren Kedar, Clare E. Bond, and David K. Muirhead
Solid Earth, 13, 1495–1511, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1495-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1495-2022, 2022
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Raman spectroscopy of carbon-bearing rocks is often used to calculate peak temperatures and therefore burial history. However, strain is known to affect Raman spectral parameters. We investigate a series of deformed rocks that have been subjected to varying degrees of strain and find that there is a consistent change in some parameters in the most strained rocks, while other parameters are not affected by strain. We apply temperature calculations and find that strain affects them differently.
Simon Freitag, Michael Drews, Wolfgang Bauer, Florian Duschl, David Misch, and Harald Stollhofen
Solid Earth, 13, 1003–1026, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1003-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1003-2022, 2022
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The carbonates of the Malm are the main reservoir rocks for hydrothermal heat and power generation in southern Germany. To better understand these buried rocks, the carbonates exposed in northern Bavaria are often investigated. As the petrophysical properties of carbonates strongly depend on their subsidence history and maximum burial depth, we will investigate this issue by analyzing mudstones, which indirectly store this type of information and are found just below the Malm carbonates.
Lisa Winhausen, Kavan Khaledi, Mohammadreza Jalali, Janos L. Urai, and Florian Amann
Solid Earth, 13, 901–915, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-901-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-901-2022, 2022
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Triaxial compression tests at different effective stresses allow for analysing the deformation behaviour of Opalinus Clay, the potential host rock for nuclear waste in Switzerland. We conducted microstructural investigations of the deformed samples to relate the bulk hydro-mechanical behaviour to the processes on the microscale. Results show a transition from brittle- to more ductile-dominated deformation. We propose a non-linear failure envelop associated with the failure mode transition.
Zhilin Ye, Dawei Fan, Bo Li, Qizhe Tang, Jingui Xu, Dongzhou Zhang, and Wenge Zhou
Solid Earth, 13, 745–759, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-745-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-745-2022, 2022
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Eclogite is a major factor in the initiation of delamination during orogenic collision. According to the equations of state of main minerals of eclogite under high temperature and high pressure, the densities of eclogite along two types of delamination in Tibet are provided. The effects of eclogite on the delamination process are discussed in detail. A high abundance of garnet, a high Fe content, and a high degree of eclogitization are more conducive to instigating the delamination.
Tiange Xing, Hamed O. Ghaffari, Ulrich Mok, and Matej Pec
Solid Earth, 13, 137–160, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-137-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-137-2022, 2022
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Geological carbon sequestration using basalts provides a solution to mitigate the high CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. Due to the long timespan of the GCS, it is important to understand the long-term deformation of the reservoir rock. Here, we studied the creep of basalt with fluid presence. Our results show presence of fluid weakens the rock and promotes creep, while the composition only has a secondary effect and demonstrate that the governing creep mechanism is subcritical microcracking.
Lisa Winhausen, Jop Klaver, Joyce Schmatz, Guillaume Desbois, Janos L. Urai, Florian Amann, and Christophe Nussbaum
Solid Earth, 12, 2109–2126, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2109-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2109-2021, 2021
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An experimentally deformed sample of Opalinus Clay (OPA), which is being considered as host rock for nuclear waste in Switzerland, was studied by electron microscopy to image deformation microstructures. Deformation localised by forming micrometre-thick fractures. Deformation zones show dilatant micro-cracking, granular flow and bending grains, and pore collapse. Our model, with three different stages of damage accumulation, illustrates microstructural deformation in a compressed OPA sample.
Michael J. Schmidtke, Ruth Keppler, Jacek Kossak-Glowczewski, Nikolaus Froitzheim, and Michael Stipp
Solid Earth, 12, 1801–1828, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1801-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1801-2021, 2021
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Properties of deformed rocks are frequently anisotropic. One of these properties is the travel time of a seismic wave. In this study we measured the seismic anisotropy of different rocks, collected in the Alps. Our results show distinct differences between rocks of oceanic origin and those of continental origin.
Sina Hale, Xavier Ries, David Jaeggi, and Philipp Blum
Solid Earth, 12, 1581–1600, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1581-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1581-2021, 2021
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The construction of tunnels leads to substantial alterations of the surrounding rock, which can be critical concerning safety aspects. We use different mobile methods to assess the hydromechanical properties of an excavation damaged zone (EDZ) in a claystone. We show that long-term exposure and dehydration preserve a notable fracture permeability and significantly increase strength and stiffness. The methods are suitable for on-site monitoring without any further disturbance of the rock.
Jessica A. McBeck, Wenlu Zhu, and François Renard
Solid Earth, 12, 375–387, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-375-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-375-2021, 2021
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The competing modes of fault network development, including nucleation, propagation, and coalescence, influence the localization and connectivity of fracture networks and are thus critical influences on permeability. We distinguish between these modes of fracture development using in situ X-ray tomography triaxial compression experiments on crystalline rocks. The results underscore the importance of confining stress (burial depth) and fluids on fault network development.
Hanaya Okuda, Ikuo Katayama, Hiroshi Sakuma, and Kenji Kawai
Solid Earth, 12, 171–186, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-171-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-171-2021, 2021
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Serpentinite, generated by the hydration of ultramafic rocks, is thought to be related to slow earthquakes at the subduction plate interface in the mantle wedge. We conducted friction experiments on brucite, one of the components of serpentinite, and found that wet brucite exhibits low and unstable friction under low effective normal stress conditions. This result suggests that wet brucite may be key for slow earthquakes at the subduction plate interface in a hydrated mantle wedge.
Chaojie Cheng, Sina Hale, Harald Milsch, and Philipp Blum
Solid Earth, 11, 2411–2423, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2411-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2411-2020, 2020
Short summary
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Fluids (like water or gases) within the Earth's crust often flow and interact with rock through fractures. The efficiency with which these fluids may flow through this void space is controlled by the width of the fracture(s). In this study, three different physical methods to measure fracture width were applied and compared and their predictive accuracy was evaluated. As a result, the mobile methods tested may well be applied in the field if a number of limitations and requirements are observed.
Martijn P. A. van den Ende, Marco M. Scuderi, Frédéric Cappa, and Jean-Paul Ampuero
Solid Earth, 11, 2245–2256, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2245-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2245-2020, 2020
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The injection of fluids (like wastewater or CO2) into the subsurface could cause earthquakes when existing geological faults inside the reservoir are (re-)activated. To assess the hazard associated with this, previous studies have conducted experiments in which fluids have been injected into centimetre- and decimetre-scale faults. In this work, we analyse and model these experiments. To this end, we propose a new approach through which we extract the model parameters that govern slip on faults.
Berend A. Verberne, Martijn P. A. van den Ende, Jianye Chen, André R. Niemeijer, and Christopher J. Spiers
Solid Earth, 11, 2075–2095, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2075-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-2075-2020, 2020
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The strength of fault rock plays a central role in determining the distribution of crustal seismicity. We review laboratory work on the physics of fault friction at low shearing velocities carried out at Utrecht University in the past 2 decades. Key mechanical data and post-mortem microstructures can be explained using a generalized, physically based model for the shear of gouge-filled faults. When implemented into numerical fault-slip codes, this offers new ways to simulate the seismic cycle.
Hannes Krietsch, Valentin S. Gischig, Joseph Doetsch, Keith F. Evans, Linus Villiger, Mohammadreza Jalali, Benoît Valley, Simon Löw, and Florian Amann
Solid Earth, 11, 1699–1729, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1699-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1699-2020, 2020
Patricio-Ignacio Pérez Donoso, Adrián-Enrique Ortiz Rojas, and Ernesto Meneses Rioseco
Solid Earth, 11, 1423–1440, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1423-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1423-2020, 2020
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This work studies intensively the flow in fractures with finite hydraulic conductivity intersected by a well injecting/producing at constant pressure. We demonstrated that during the bilinear flow regime the transient propagation of isobars along the fracture is proportional to the fourth root of time. Moreover, we present relations to calculate the termination time of bilinear flow under constant injection/production well pressure. Our results can be utilized to estimate the fracture length.
Caiyuan Fan, Jinfeng Liu, Luuk B. Hunfeld, and Christopher J. Spiers
Solid Earth, 11, 1399–1422, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1399-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-1399-2020, 2020
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Coal is an important source rock for natural gas recovery, and its frictional properties play a role in induced seismicity. We performed experiments to investigate the frictional properties of bituminous coal, and our results show that the frictional strength of coal became significantly weakened with slip displacement, from a peak value of 0.5 to a steady-state value of 0.3. This may be caused by the development of shear bands with internal shear-enhanced molecular structure.
Maximilian O. Kottwitz, Anton A. Popov, Tobias S. Baumann, and Boris J. P. Kaus
Solid Earth, 11, 947–957, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-947-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-947-2020, 2020
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In this study, we conducted 3-D numerical simulations of fluid flow in synthetically generated fractures that statistically reflect geometries of naturally occurring fractures. We introduced a non-dimensional characterization scheme to relate fracture permeabilities estimated from the numerical simulations to their geometries in a unique manner. By that, we refined the scaling law for fracture permeability, which can be easily integrated into discrete-fracture-network (DFN) modeling approaches.
Bjarne S. G. Almqvist, Hagen Bender, Amanda Bergman, and Uwe Ring
Solid Earth, 11, 807–828, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-807-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-807-2020, 2020
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Rocks in fault zones can melt during earthquakes. The geometry and magnetic properties of such earthquake-melted rocks from Jämtland, central Sweden, show that they formed during Caledonian mountain building in the Palaeozoic. The small sample size (~0.2 cm3) used in this study is unconventional in studies of magnetic anisotropy and introduces challenges for interpretations. Nevertheless, the magnetic properties help shed light on the earthquake event and subsequent alteration of the rock.
David Healy, Nicholas Erik Timms, and Mark Alan Pearce
Solid Earth, 11, 259–286, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-259-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-11-259-2020, 2020
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Rock-forming minerals behave elastically, a property that controls their ability to support stress and strain, controls the transmission of seismic waves, and influences subsequent permanent deformation. Minerals are intrinsically anisotropic in their elastic properties; that is, they have directional variations that are related to the crystal lattice. We explore this directionality and present new ways of visualising it. We hope this will enable further advances in understanding deformation.
Patrick Selvadurai, Paul A. Selvadurai, and Morteza Nejati
Solid Earth, 10, 2001–2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-2001-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-2001-2019, 2019
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The paper presents an alternative technique for estimating the Biot coefficient, which governs the partitioning of stresses between a porous skeleton and the saturating pore fluid of a fluid-saturated rock.
Mathieu Soret, Philippe Agard, Benoît Ildefonse, Benoît Dubacq, Cécile Prigent, and Claudio Rosenberg
Solid Earth, 10, 1733–1755, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-1733-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-1733-2019, 2019
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This study sheds light on the mineral-scale mechanisms controlling the progressive deformation of sheared amphibolites from the Oman metamorphic sole during subduction initiation and unravels how strain is localized and accommodated in hydrated mafic rocks at high temperature conditions. Our results indicate how metamorphic reactions and pore-fluid pressures driven by changes in pressure–temperature conditions and/or water activity control the rheology of mafic rocks.
Jérôme Azzola, Benoît Valley, Jean Schmittbuhl, and Albert Genter
Solid Earth, 10, 1155–1180, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-1155-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-1155-2019, 2019
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In projects based on enhanced geothermal system (EGS) technology, knowledge of the in situ stress state is of central importance to predict the response of the rock mass to different stimulation programs. We propose a characterization of the in situ stress state from the analysis of ultrasonic borehole imager (UBI) data acquired at different key moments of the reservoir. We discuss a significant stress rotation at depth and the absence of a significant change in the stress magnitude.
Camille Parlangeau, Alexandre Dimanov, Olivier Lacombe, Simon Hallais, and Jean-Marc Daniel
Solid Earth, 10, 307–316, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-307-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-10-307-2019, 2019
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Calcite twinning is a common deformation mechanism that mainly occurs at low temperatures. Twinning activation appears at a critical strength value, which is poorly documented and still debated. Temperature is known to influence twin thickness and shape; however, few studies have been conducted on calcite deformation at low temperatures. The goal of this work is to determine if thickness is mainly due to high temperatures and to establish the validity of a threshold twinning activation value.
Djamil Al-Halbouni, Eoghan P. Holohan, Abbas Taheri, Martin P. J. Schöpfer, Sacha Emam, and Torsten Dahm
Solid Earth, 9, 1341–1373, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-1341-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-1341-2018, 2018
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Sinkholes are round depression features in the ground that can cause high economic and life loss. On the Dead Sea shoreline, hundreds of sinkholes form each year driven by the fall of the water level and subsequent out-washing and dissolution of loose sediments. This study investigates the mechanical formation of sinkholes by numerical modelling. It highlights the role of material strength in the formation of dangerous collapse sinkholes and compares it to findings from a field site in Jordan.
Zeyu Zhang, Sabine Kruschwitz, Andreas Weller, and Matthias Halisch
Solid Earth, 9, 1225–1238, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-1225-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-9-1225-2018, 2018
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We investigate the pore space of rock samples with respect to different petrophysical parameters using various methods, which provide data on pore size distributions. The resulting cumulative distributions of pore volume as a function of pore size are compared. Considering that the methods differ with regard to their limits of resolution, a multiple-length-scale characterization of the pore space geometry is proposed that is based on a combination of the results from all of these methods.
Paul W. J. Glover
Solid Earth, 8, 805–816, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-805-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-805-2017, 2017
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Electrical flow through porous media depends on the amount of conductive material available and how that material is connected. This has conventionally been described by two laws invented by Archie in 1942 which allowed only one conducting material and one non-conducting material. This paper contends that both laws arise from a single underlying law which allows for any number of materials, where their fractions sum to unity and a parameter describing their connectedness also sums to unity.
Alejandra Quintanilla-Terminel, Mark E. Zimmerman, Brian Evans, and David L. Kohlstedt
Solid Earth, 8, 751–765, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-751-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-751-2017, 2017
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Modeling natural deformation requires a good understanding of how the microscale and mesoscale properties of rocks affect bulk deformation. However, describing strain accommodation at a range of scales during rock deformation is an experimental challenge. We developed a novel technique that allows us to map strain down to the microscale. This technique was successfully applied to high-pressure, high-temperature deformation experiments and could be applied to a wide variety of geomaterials.
Guillaume Desbois, Nadine Höhne, Janos L. Urai, Pierre Bésuelle, and Gioacchino Viggiani
Solid Earth, 8, 291–305, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-291-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-8-291-2017, 2017
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This work integrates measurements of the mechanical and transport properties with microstructures to understand deformation mechanisms in cemented mudrock. Cataclastic mechanisms are dominant down to nanometre scale. At low strain the fabric contains recognizable open fractures, while at high strain the reworked clay gouge shows resealing of initial fracture porosity. In the future, it will provide a microphysical basis for constitutive models to improve their extrapolation for long timescales.
Paul W. J. Glover
Solid Earth, 7, 1157–1169, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-1157-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-7-1157-2016, 2016
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In 1942 Archie discovered equations which have been used ever since to calculate reserves of oil and gas around the world. Two equations exist, one which is theoretically justified, and one which is not. Unfortunately it is the one which is not justified that often gives the best results. This research examines the extent to which the two approaches give differing results, concluding that the Winsauer et al. form of Archie's equations is better for use with data containing systematic errors.
S. Kolzenburg, M. J. Heap, Y. Lavallée, J. K. Russell, P. G. Meredith, and D. B. Dingwell
Solid Earth, 3, 191–198, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-3-191-2012, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-3-191-2012, 2012
P. W. J. Glover, T. J. Ransford, and G. Auger
Solid Earth, 1, 85–91, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-1-85-2010, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-1-85-2010, 2010
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Short summary
A method is introduced to implement medical CT data of a fractured sandstone under varying confining pressures into fluid flow simulations to reproduce experimental permeabilities. The simulation results reproduce plausible fracture flow features (e.g. flow channeling, fracture closing/opening) and approximate the actual permeabilities, which are affected by the CT resolution and compositional matrix heterogeneities. Additionally, some recommendations are presented concerning future studies.
A method is introduced to implement medical CT data of a fractured sandstone under varying...
