The architecture and fluid flow properties of shallow fault systems: implications for environmental monitoring

断层带是复杂和高度可变的系统，可以在一系列尺度上控制地壳流体流动（微观尺度到宏观尺度，跨断层流动和向上断层流动，以及从深度到表面）。然而，预测断裂带的水力和力学性质仍然很困难。这对一系列地质工程应用产生了影响，包括碳捕获和储存或地热等地球能活动，其中确定断层对流动的影响对于评估场地性能和指导场地选择至关重要。此外，迄今为止，许多以前的工作在断层带中的流体流动过程集中在深层地下（石油和天然气应用）。因此，目前对断层特征如何被近地表效应改变知之甚少，这与预测、监测和补救地球能源工程活动泄漏到地表的任何潜在影响有关。

Fault zones are complex and highly variable systems that can govern crustal fluid flow at a range of scales (microscale to macroscale, across-fault flow and up-fault flow, and from depth towards surface). However, predicting the hydraulic and mechanical properties of fault zones remains difficult. This has implications for a range of geological engineering applications, including geoenergy activities such as carbon capture and storage, or geothermal heat, where determining the influence of faults on flow is critical to evaluate site performance and to guide site selection. Further, to date, much of previous work on fluid flow processes in fault zones have concentrated on the deep subsurface (for oil and gas applications). Thus, very little is currently known on how fault characteristics are altered by near-surface effects towards the surface, which is relevant for predicting, monitoring, and remediating any potential impacts from leakage to surface from geoenergy engineering activities.