Derivation and application of a geologic dataset for flow modelling by discrete fracture networks in low-permeability argillaceous rocks

Mazurek, Martin; Lanyon, G. W.; Vomvoris, S.; Gautschi, A.

doi:10.1016/s0169-7722(98)00111-9

Cited by 29 publications

(21 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…Mazurek [, ] and Mazurek et al . [] reported that geology or fault zone orientation cannot be used to distinguish between fault zones that have or do not have flow anomalies, from data at the Wellenberg and Northern Switzerland sites, and they pointed out that although major fluid‐conducting features may have distinct properties (e.g., orientation), significant hydrogeological heterogeneities (e.g., channeling) may also exist within the same features. Seebeck et al .…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, in the case of fractures in a fault zone, the fracture permeability is also sensitive to the shear‐induced dilation that is generated in the fault zone [ Einstein and Dershowitz , ; Latham et al ., ; Leong and Randolph , ; Min et al ., ]. For instance, fractures in a fault zone are susceptible to shear‐induced dilation by the drag produced during fault deformation (Figure a) [ Brogi , ; Martel and Pollard , ; Mazurek et al ., , ]. Also, in a sheared fracture, pore structures tend to form by the mismatch of shear‐fracture walls (Figure b) [ Barton et al ., ; Gutierrez et al ., ; Yeo et al ., ], and such shear fractures may form important flow channels [ Barton et al ., ; Chanchani et al ., ; Ito and Zoback , ; Rogers , ] (critically stressed fractures, in general, whether or not in a fault zone, tend to be relatively transmissive).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Predictions of the highest potential transmissivity of fractures in fault zones from rock rheology: Preliminary results

Ishii

2015

JGR Solid Earth

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Fracture transmissivity in a fault zone is a significant parameter when solving certain geoscientific and geotechnical problems. However, the transmissivities are difficult to predict quantitatively owing to the complexity of in situ conditions such as the apertures of fractures. This study analyzes extensive data sets on flow anomalies (transmissive zones) detected from fluid/flow logs of boreholes in fault zones in the light of rock rheology, fracture mineralization/dissolution, and fracture orientation at six sites, namely Horonobe (Japan; siliceous mudstone), Wellenberg (Switzerland; argillaceous marl), Forsmark (Sweden; granite/granodiorite), Olkiluoto (Finland; gneiss), Northern Switzerland (granite/gneiss), and Sellafield (UK; volcaniclastic rocks and sandstone). The flow anomalies are correlated to fractures in fault zones. The data sets show that the transmissivities of the flow anomalies are strongly controlled by the ductility index, defined as the effective mean stress normalized to the tensile strength of the intact rock. An empirically derived power law relationship exists between the transmissivity and the ductility index, allowing predictions of the highest potential transmissivities of fractures in possible fault zones with maximum errors of about 2 orders of magnitude, due to the inevitable heterogeneity of a fault zone. The actual transmissivities may be further reduced by mineral precipitation in the fractures, or increased by mineral dissolution. Fracture orientation has no discernable influence on the transmissivity. The results may prove helpful for understanding and predicting the long-term transport properties of fault zones in the upper crust.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Predictions of the highest potential transmissivity of fractures in fault zones from rock rheology: Preliminary results

Ishii

2015

JGR Solid Earth

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“…In addition to our study of the Maquoketa aquitard in Wisconsin (Eaton 2002), we are aware of only one other major rock aquitard in the United States, the Pierre Shale, that has been characterized extensively (Neuzil 1980(Neuzil , 1986(Neuzil , 1993Bredehoeft et al 1983), although hydrogeologic properties of low-conductivity fractured chalk have been characterized for geotechnical purposes (Dutton et al 1994;Wang and Myer 1994). In Switzerland, the Opalinus Clay, a fractured, diffusion-dominated shale, is being studied for possible nuclear waste disposal sites (Mazurek et al 1998;Gautschi 2001;Croise et al 2004;Wersin et al 2004). Pore water chemistry and transport processes also have been studied in the Tournemire tunnel argillites in France (Boisson et al 2001;Patriarche et al 2004).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fracture Control of Ground Water Flow and Water Chemistry in a Rock Aquitard

Eaton

Anderson

Bradbury³

2007

Groundwater

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There are few studies on the hydrogeology of sedimentary rock aquitards although they are important controls in regional ground water flow systems. We formulate and test a three-dimensional (3D) conceptual model of ground water flow and hydrochemistry in a fractured sedimentary rock aquitard to show that flow dynamics within the aquitard are more complex than previously believed. Similar conceptual models, based on regional observations and recently emerging principles of mechanical stratigraphy in heterogeneous sedimentary rocks, have previously been applied only to aquifers, but we show that they are potentially applicable to aquitards. The major elements of this conceptual model, which is based on detailed information from two sites in the Maquoketa Formation in southeastern Wisconsin, include orders of magnitude contrast between hydraulic diffusivity (K/S(s)) of fractured zones and relatively intact aquitard rock matrix, laterally extensive bedding-plane fracture zones extending over distances of over 10 km, very low vertical hydraulic conductivity of thick shale-rich intervals of the aquitard, and a vertical hydraulic head profile controlled by a lateral boundary at the aquitard subcrop, where numerous surface water bodies dominate the shallow aquifer system. Results from a 3D numerical flow model based on this conceptual model are consistent with field observations, which did not fit the typical conceptual model of strictly vertical flow through an aquitard. The 3D flow through an aquitard has implications for predicting ground water flow and for planning and protecting water supplies.

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“…Flow and solute transport at the regional scale can be enhanced or reduced by secondary rock structures (e.g., faults and fractures) (c.f., Gautschi 2001;Croisé et al 2004;Boisson et al 1998;Mazurek et al 1998;Metcalfe et al 1998). In the regionally extensive Williston Basin (WB) (Fig.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Secondary rock structures and the regional hydrogeology of claystone-rich cretaceous strata, Williston Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada

Szmigielski

Hendry

2017

Can. J. Earth Sci.

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The geometry and spatial distribution of a polygonal fault system (PFS) and collapse features within Cretaceous strata (predominantly mudstones and claystones) were investigated using three high-resolution three-dimensional seismic datasets of the Williston Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada. Mapping of the planform geometry and fault throw distributions (throw–depth (T–z) profiling) shows that the PFS present in the Colorado Group and Pierre Fm has a vertical extent of 200–330 m. Variation in the lateral planform geometry is attributed to the relative rates of stress accumulation during early development of the planar faults and is constrained using sequence stratigraphic principles. The mean fault dip is 60° ± 12° (number of measurements, n = 225). The T–z profiles appear as partial C-type profiles, demonstrating that at least half of the total height of the PFS was removed during post-Cretaceous erosion. The presence of polygonal faults in equivalent strata of the Western Interior Sedimentary Basin (WISB) suggests the PFS described in the current study (1510 km2) may be present across the WISB. Collapse features, formed in response to dissolution cavities within underlying strata, crosscut the entire Cretaceous sequence and are subcircular in plan view with typical diameters of 350–450 m. These features are present in each of the datasets at a rate of 0.02–0.11 collapses/km2. The prevalence of collapses in areas where faults display modified throw distributions may suggest post-Cretaceous fault reactivation associated with Pleistocene glacial periods. Although these secondary rock structures likely affect groundwater and solute transport at the basin scale, the impact remains to be determined.

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Derivation and application of a geologic dataset for flow modelling by discrete fracture networks in low-permeability argillaceous rocks

Cited by 29 publications

References 12 publications

Predictions of the highest potential transmissivity of fractures in fault zones from rock rheology: Preliminary results

Predictions of the highest potential transmissivity of fractures in fault zones from rock rheology: Preliminary results

Fracture Control of Ground Water Flow and Water Chemistry in a Rock Aquitard

Secondary rock structures and the regional hydrogeology of claystone-rich cretaceous strata, Williston Basin, Saskatchewan, Canada

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