Subsurface fluid flow through fractures in sedimentary basins

该项目旨在提高对地下流体在裂缝中传输的了解。岩石中的裂隙提供了相互连接的水力传导网络，使大量流体能够通过沉积盆地进行运输。裂缝输送流体的能力主要受地应力场的控制，但也受岩石强度、裂隙平面方向、粗糙度和孔隙流体压力的控制。我们对许多沉积盆地中的地应力有很好的了解，但对天然裂缝的性质和来源知之甚少。该项目旨在提供对地下天然裂缝的性质和成因的详细、定量的了解，这对于预测含水层、二氧化碳储存点以及地热和碳氢化合物储藏库内的流体迁移至关重要。

This project aims to improve understanding of subsurface fluid transport through fractures. Fractures in rock provide interconnected, hydraulically conductive networks enabling large-volume fluid transport through sedimentary basins. The ability of a fracture to transmit fluid is primarily controlled by the in situ stress field, but also by rock strength, fracture plane orientation and roughness and pore-fluid pressure. We have a good understanding of in situ stress within many sedimentary basins, but know very little about the nature and origin of natural fractures. This project aims to provide a detailed, quantitative understanding of the nature and origin of natural fractures in the subsurface, which is critical for predicting fluid migration within aquifers, carbon dioxide storage sites, and geothermal and hydrocarbon reservoirs.