Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Keurfon Luu, Martin Schoenball, Curtis M. Oldenburg, Jonny Rutqvist
Summary: This study uses a coupled multiphase fluid flow and geomechanical simulator to model the fluid pressure and stress changes during CO2 injection, and investigates the impact of CO2 injection on faults in crystalline basement rock. The results show that considering poroelastic stress changes is crucial for accurately modeling the seismicity rate.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Xiang Sun, Anran Shang, Peng Wu, Tao Liu, Yanghui Li
Summary: CO2 marine geological sequestration is a crucial measure to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels and mitigate the harmful effects of global warming. Compared with traditional terrestrial geological sequestration, CO2 marine geological sequestration has greater potential, a safer distance from aquifers, and stable temperature and pressure conditions, making it safer and more efficient. This paper reviews and evaluates the main CO2 marine geological sequestration technologies and discusses their mechanisms, potential, challenges, and adverse effects on marine environments. The potential development trends in CO2 marine geological technology are also explored.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Wenzhuo Cao, Ji-Quan Shi, Sevket Durucan, Anna Korre
Summary: This study investigates the impact of injection-induced fault reactivation and stress transfer on induced seismicity at the In Salah CO2 storage site through geomechanical and reservoir modeling. The results show that the shear slip stress transfer mechanism played a significant role in the heightened microseismicity around one of the horizontal injection wells during a 4-month period.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GREENHOUSE GAS CONTROL
(2021)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Cheng Zhang, Milei Wang
Summary: The translation paragraph introduces the importance of interfacial tension (IFT) between CO2 and brine in geological CO2 storage (GCS), and provides a systematic review of the current research on the IFT of CO2/brine system, including experimental methods, data, and influencing factors.
GEOENERGY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Oladoyin Kolawole, Ion Ispas, Mallika Kumar, Joachim Weber, Bo Zhao, Giovanni Zanoni
Summary: This study investigated how localized and bulk biogeomechanical alterations induced by microbial processes in shale formations can enhance the long-term caprock integrity and CO2 storage security, providing valuable insights for solving challenges in the long-term geological CO2 storage application in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Youngsoo Song, Sungjun Jun, Yoonsu Na, Kyuhyun Kim, Youngho Jang, Jihoon Wang
Summary: Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is the only viable method for reducing massive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. However, the process poses geomechanical risks, such as caprock failure and induced seismicity, which may lead to environmental concerns and hinder public acceptance. This paper provides an overview of these risks, reviews their mechanisms and theories, and introduces relevant precedent studies. The study aims to enhance understanding of geomechanical risks during CCS and facilitate the optimal design of the process for public acceptance. Challenges related to handling these risks are also discussed.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Zhao Long, Li Yumei, Luo Yong, Liu Jiurong, Cui Wenjun, Zhang Youquan, Lei Kunchao, Tian Fang, Han Zhantao, Liu He, Sha Te, Kong Xiangru, Qi Minghuan, Wang Xinhui, Tian Miaozhuang, Zhang Jie, Zhang Shuangcheng, Li Jin
Summary: The Songzhuang ground failure, discovered in the eastern part of the Beijing Plain, is characterized by a main fissure and numerous secondary fissures, tensile deformation, and limited extension depths in the profile. It formed after an earthquake and was enlarged due to groundwater pumping, with a pre-existing fault determining its initial location.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pierre-Yves Declercq, Michiel Dusar, Eric Pirard, Jeffrey Verbeurgt, Atefe Choopani, Xavier Devleeschouwer
Summary: Spatio-temporal ground-movement measurements and mappings have been conducted in the Campine coalfield in Belgian Limburg after mine closure. The MT-InSAR technique was used to compare measurements with groundwater head changes and GNSS station data. Radar interferometry estimated ground movement extension and velocity. Results revealed a change from subsidence to uplift conditions in the western part of the coal basin and ongoing uplift in the eastern part. The closure of Zolder coal mine led to a recharge of mine-water aquifers, causing the observed changes.
Article
Engineering, Geological
John Richard Bowersox, Stephen F. Greb, Junfeng Zhu, David C. Harris
Summary: The passage describes research conducted in Kentucky, USA on storing CO2 in the Rose Run sandstone, with geomechanical properties tested to evaluate its suitability as a potential storage reservoir.
JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Remote Sensing
Ryan A. A. Ramirez, Gi-Jun Lee, Shin-Kyu Choi, Tae-Hyuk Kwon, Young-Chul Kim, Hee-Hwan Ryu, Sangyoung Kim, Byungeol Bae, Chiho Hyun
Summary: The construction of underground tunnels can cause ground subsidence, and this study explores the feasibility of using satellite SAR data and remote sensing techniques to monitor the surface deformation associated with different tunnel construction phases. The results show that dewatering during tunneling aggravates the subsidence phenomenon.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF APPLIED EARTH OBSERVATION AND GEOINFORMATION
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Saumik Dana, Xiaoxi Zhao, Birendra Jha
Summary: We present a simulation framework for fast monitoring of fault stability and ground deformation in multiphase geomechanics and demonstrate its efficacy for a joint CO2 sequestration and enhanced oil recovery case study. The framework accurately estimates fault stability, reduces computational burden, allows for fast renditions of flow-induced ground deformation, and enables independent selection of flow and geomechanics grid resolutions.
JOURNAL OF COMPUTATIONAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jing Ye, Abdulkader Afifi, Feras Rowaihy, Guillaume Baby, Arlette De Santiago, Alexandros Tasianas, Ali Hamieh, Aytaj Khodayeva, Mohammed Al-Juaied, Timothy A. Meckel, Hussein Hoteit
Summary: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies are crucial for Saudi Arabia to achieve its net-zero goal by 2060. This study evaluated the geological CO2 storage capacities in Saudi Arabia's sedimentary basins, identifying the most suitable areas for CO2 storage. The study provides important information for policymakers and industry leaders in addressing carbon emissions in Saudi Arabia.
EARTH-SCIENCE REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Fatima Al Hameli, Hadi Belhaj, Mohammed Al Dhuhoori
Summary: This review examines the consequences of the early and rapid deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, emphasizing the importance of geological storage as a short- to medium-term alternative for reducing carbon emissions. The paper also discusses global measurements of CO2 emissions and the significance of efficient energy usage, as well as various trapping processes and mechanisms.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Guojun Zhao, Jia-nan Zheng, Guangjun Gong, Bingbing Chen, Mingjun Yang, Yongchen Song
Summary: This study experimentally simulated the upward leakage process of carbon dioxide in water-containing sediments and investigated the plugging characteristics of the formed hydrate cap. The results show that slow CO2 flow and high pressure are beneficial for the formation of hydrate caps. The spatial water distribution and the location of the hydrate cap inside the sediments were analyzed through MRI images and pressure evolution calculation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lijun Cheng, Dahua Li, Wei Wang, Jun Liu
Summary: This study introduces a self-developed model to investigate the impact of anisotropic in situ stress on the transport of free gases in shale. It is found that the anisotropic in situ stress plays a significant role in the storage of CO2 in shale, with a relatively minor impact on the residual free CH4.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Mengsu Hu, Jonny Rutqvist
Summary: This study presents multi-scale modeling capabilities developed based on the numerical manifold method for analyzing coupled hydro-mechanical processes in fractured rocks. Fractures are modeled as continua-finite-thickness porous zones, discontinua-discontinuous interfaces, and microscale asperities and granular systems based on their geometric features. The simulations demonstrate the significant contribution of contact dynamics to geometric, multi-physical evolution in rough fractures systems.
ROCK MECHANICS AND ROCK ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
D. W. Vasco, Sergey Samsonov, Kang Wang, Roland Burgmann, Pierre Jeanne, William Foxall, Yingqi Zhang
Summary: This study uses InSAR observations to estimate the displacements at a natural gas storage site in Honor Rancho, California. By removing the reservoir signal, the residuals are used to characterize the background variations and identify anomalies. The results show temporal and spatial variations in the residuals, with larger displacements observed in a southern alluvial valley.
GEOPHYSICAL JOURNAL INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Yingqi Zhang, Curtis M. Oldenburg, Quanlin Zhou, Lehua Pan, Barry M. Freifeld, Pierre Jeanne, Veronica Rodriguez Tribaldos, Donald W. Vasco
Summary: Ensuring the safety and integrity of underground gas storage (UGS) infrastructure is crucial for energy reliability in California and worldwide. The Integrated Risk Management and Decision Support System (IRMDSS) combines advanced monitoring and simulation technologies to provide real-time data and simulation tools to UGS operators, alerting them to potential failures, detecting early leakage, and supporting mitigation decision-making to prevent larger failures. The system can analyze temperature and pressure responses to hypothetical leaks, identify gas-water-contact depth, provide early warning signals, estimate leak rates, and support mitigation decisions.
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Iman Rahimzadeh Kivi, Estanislao Pujades, Jonny Rutqvist, Victor Vilarrasa
Summary: The study shows that thermal stresses resulting from water circulation through a doublet in a hot sedimentary aquifer can destabilize faults located far away from the doublet. Additionally, the timing of fault reactivation is mainly controlled by fault permeability, emphasizing the importance of employing appropriate characterization methods.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Xuhai Tang, Siji Tao, Ping Li, Jonny Rutqvist, Mengsu Hu, Lei Sun
Summary: In this study, the mechanisms of frost cracking as a result of freeze-thaw cycling, confining stress, and the interaction of multiple cracks were investigated using experimental, theoretical, and numerical approaches. The experimental and numerical results showed that frost cracks tend to propagate in the direction of maximum principal stress, and the position and orientation of initial cracks significantly influence the interaction effect between two frost cracks.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND MINING SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Donald W. Vasco, Kyra H. Kim, Tom G. Farr, J. T. Reager, David Bekaert, Simran S. Sangha, Jonny Rutqvist, Hiroko K. Beaudoing
Summary: Groundwater depletion-induced subsidence is a serious issue worldwide, including in California's Tulare Basin. This study combines Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite data to examine the hydrological dynamics of the basin. By removing long-term aquifer compaction, short-term variations related to hydrological features are revealed. Additionally, the use of GRACE satellite estimates helps visualize monthly spatial variations in water volumes. This approach enables the synthesis of different datasets and contributes to better understanding and management of groundwater resources globally.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Keurfon Luu, Martin Schoenball, Curtis M. Oldenburg, Jonny Rutqvist
Summary: This study uses a coupled multiphase fluid flow and geomechanical simulator to model the fluid pressure and stress changes during CO2 injection, and investigates the impact of CO2 injection on faults in crystalline basement rock. The results show that considering poroelastic stress changes is crucial for accurately modeling the seismicity rate.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Michael Commer, David L. Alumbaugh, G. Michael Hoversten, Evan S. Um, Donald W. Vasco, Michael Wilt, Edward Nichols, Pierpaolo Marchesini, Marie Macquet
Summary: In geophysical inversions, lower and upper model parameter bounds play an important role in stabilizing the solution. Reliable prior information is crucial in constructing these bound constraints. It is common practice to narrow or widen these bounds based on the certainty of the prior information. However, this study explores the use of wider bounds in poorly resolved zones to enhance the potential for resolving hidden anomalies. Results from synthetic and field data inversions demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in detecting non-horizontal structures.
FRONTIERS IN EARTH SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Jiangmei Qiao, Xuhai Tang, Mengsu Hu, Jonny Rutqvist, Zhiyuan Liu
Summary: This study found that in carbonate fracture-cavity reservoirs, natural fractures have a dominant impact on the propagation of hydraulic fractures, followed by the influence of confining stress. These two factors are critical to the design of hydraulic fracturing in carbonate fracture-cavity reservoirs.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Xuhai Tang, Yiheng Zhang, Jingjing Xu, Jonny Rutqvist, Mengsu Hu, Zhengzhi Wang, Quansheng Liu
Summary: Scientists have developed a new method, using microscale rock mechanics experiments (micro-RME) results, to determine the macroscale mechanical properties of arbitrarily shaped granite. This method has been proven to be a breakthrough from the conventional technology of macro-RME by using test specimens from small and arbitrarily shaped rock fragments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ROCK MECHANICS AND MINING SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
H. Tounsi, J. Rutqvist, M. Hu, R. Wolters
Summary: This study analyses the flow of brine in rock salt using a fully coupled THM model that considers non-isothermal two-phase flow through deformable porous media. The experimental data and model predictions show good agreement, and suggest that it is important to consider the coupling between heating-and cooling-induced damage and flow properties to estimate brine inflow accurately. This modeling approach will be helpful for designing the cooling phase in salt repositories to minimize damage and brine inflow.
COMPUTERS AND GEOTECHNICS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
J. J. Xu, Y. H. Zhang, J. Rutqvist, M. S. Hu, Z. Z. Wang, X. H. Tang
Summary: Understanding the thermal effects on rock is critical for geothermal resource exploration and understanding Earth's temperature-driven evolution. This study observed the thermal-induced microcrack propagation of granite in real time using an ultrahigh-temperature instrument on an optical microscope. The experimental results revealed that microcracks initiate at 300°C and coalesce between 400 and 600°C, which is the main reason for the sharp decrease in macroscale mechanical properties of granite.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SOLID EARTH
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Allan Katende, Jonny Rutqvist, Cody Massion, Mileva Radonjic
Summary: Global energy systems are transitioning to clean energy sources to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, necessitating the exploration and development of shale gas resources to support the global supply of natural gas. The challenge lies in the low permeability of shale, requiring large-scale volume fracturing to enhance connectivity. This study investigates the influence of a thin proppant layer on a single fracture and explores the effects of rock mineralogy, surface roughness, fluids, confining stress, time, temperature, and bedding on proppant embedment in Caney shale. The experiment revealed that fracture conductivity is primarily affected by proppant layer, roughness, mineralogy, fluids, temperature, and closure stress.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Allan Katende, Connor Allen, Jonny Rutqvist, Seiji Nakagawa, Mileva Radonjic
Summary: The current global energy supply is insufficient to meet the increasing demand, resulting in soaring energy prices. Shale oil and gas, although non-renewable, are relatively clean energy resources and still dominate the energy market. This paper investigates the stress-dependent changes in hydraulic conductivity and mechanical fracture-proppant interactions in Caney Shale, finding that proppant size is crucial for improving fracture conductivity.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Hafssa Tounsi, Jonny Rutqvist, Mengsu Hu, Ralf Wolters, Svetlana Lerche
Summary: Rock salt is a potential host for heat generating nuclear waste due to its self-sealing capacity, low permeability, and high thermal conductivity. The geologic disposal of larger-sized canisters originally designed for spent fuel storage and transportation is being considered as a cost-effective alternative; however, their long-term vertical movement and low-stress creep behavior need to be evaluated. Different creep models were compared and the results showed that models calibrated only against high-deviatoric stress data might lead to inaccurate estimations of canister movement in salt formations.