Density-driven convection enhanced by an inclined boundary: Implications for geological CO2 storage

We experimentally examine dissolution-generated, density-driven convection with an inclined boundary in both a Hele-Shaw cell and in a porous medium. The convection, manifested by descending, dense fingers, is generated by a diffusive mixing of two liquids at the interface. We investigate the dynamics, widths, and wavelengths of the fingers and characterize the global convective transport for a wide range of permeabilities and tilt angles of the boundaries. Our results have implications for CO2 storage in a saline aquifer when brine saturated with CO2 produces a heavier mixture, which may result in an enhanced mass transfer by convection. Our measurements reveal a further enhancement of convection with inclined boundaries, which suggests that sloping formations provide improved sites for CO2 storage. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevE.87.011003