Leakage dynamics of fault zones: experimental and analytical study with application to CO2 storage

Fault zones have the potential to act as leakage pathways through low permeability structural seals in geological reservoirs. Faults may facilitate migration of groundwater contaminants and stored anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO), where the waste fluids would otherwise remain securely trapped. We present an analytical model that describes the dynamics of leakage through a fault zone cutting multiple aquifers and seals. Current analytical models for a buoyant plume in a semi-infinite porous media are combined with models for a leaking gravity current and a new model motivated by experimental observation, to account for increased pressure gradients within the fault due to an increase in Darcy velocity directly above the fault. In contrast to previous analytical fault models, we verify our results using a series of analogous porous medium tank experiments, with good matching of observed leakage rates and fluid distribution. We demonstrate the utility of the model for the assessment of CO storage security, by application to a naturally occurring CO reservoir, showing the dependence of the leakage rates and fluid distribution on the fault/aquifer permeability contrast. The framework developed within this study can be used for quick assessment of fluid leakage through fault zones, given a set of input parameters relating to properties of the fault, aquifer and fluids, and can be incorporated into basin-scale models to improve computational efficiency. The results show the utility of using analytical methods and reduced-order modelling in complex geological systems, as well as the value of laboratory porous medium experiments to verify results.

Automated summary

The study presents an analytical model that describes the dynamics of leakage through fault zones cutting multiple aquifers and seals. By combining current analytical models for a buoyant plume in a semi-infinite porous media with models for a leaking gravity current and a new model motivated by experimental observation, the study accounts for increased pressure gradients within the fault due to an increase in Darcy velocity directly above the fault.