Active tectonic field for CO<sub>2</sub> Storage management: Hontomín onshore study-case (SPAIN)

Abstract

Abstract. One of the concerns of underground CO2 onshore storage is the triggering of Induced Seismicity and fault reactivation. Hence, a comprehensive analysis of the tectonic parameters involved in the storage rock formation is mandatory for safety management operations. Unquestionably, active faults and seal faults depicting the storage bulk are relevant parameters to be considered. However, there is a lack of analysis of the active tectonic strain field affecting these faults during the CO2 storage monitoring. The advantage of reconstructing the tectonic field is the possibility to determine the strain trajectories and describing the fault patterns affecting the reservoir rock. In this work, we adapt a methodology of systematic geostructural analysis to the underground CO2 storage, based on the calculation of the strain field and defined by the strain field from kinematics indicators on the fault planes (ey and ex for the maximum and minimum horizontal shortening respectively). This methodology is based on statistical analysis of individual strain tensor solutions obtained from fresh outcrops. Consequently, we have collected 447 fault data in 32 field stations located within a 20 km radius. The understanding of the fault sets role for underground fluid circulation can also be established, helping for further analysis about CO2 leakage and seepage. We have applied this methodology to Hontomín onshore CO2 storage facilities (Central Spain). The geology of the area and the number of high-quality outcrops, made this site as a good candidate for studying the strain field from kinematics fault analysis. The results indicate a strike-slip tectonic regime with the maximum horizontal shortening with N160° E and N50º E trend for local regime, which activates NE–SW strike-slip faults and NE–SW compressional faults. A regional tectonic field was also recognized with N–S trend, which activates E–W compressional faults. Monitoring of E–W faults within the reservoir is suggested in addition with the possibility of obtaining focal mechanism solutions for micro earthquakes (M