Physics
Scientific paper
Feb 2012
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2012georl..3904307m&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 39, Issue 4, CiteID L04307
Physics
Hydrology: Rocks: Physical Properties, Physical Properties Of Rocks: Fracture And Flow, Physical Properties Of Rocks: Permeability And Porosity
Scientific paper
The behaviour of hydraulically ‘tight’ barrier rocks is a key determinant of the long-term integrity of potential underground storage sites for the waste products from low-carbon emission energy production technologies (including nuclear waste and CO2 captured from fossil fuels). Here we isolate the relationship between crack-induced permeability and porosity using an initially crack-free natural crystalline material. We vary secondary porosity from an initial value of zero, and demonstrate that the bulk permeability K varies with total connected porosity Φ above the percolation threshold Φc as K = K0(Φ - Φc)n, where n = 3.8 ± 0.4, i.e., similar to results obtained for higher porosity rocks, indicating universality of this scaling law. Close to the percolation threshold a modest change in total porosity from 1% to 5% or so results in a massive change in permeability of 7 orders of magnitude or more. The results are consistent with a continuum percolation model that reflects the microstructure of the pore/induced microcrack network in the natural material.
Clint O. C.
Li Lexin
Main Ian. G.
Meredith Philip G.
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