| Large Normal Faults in the Massive Carbonates of Central Italy as Potential Conduits for CO2-enriched Groundwater | |
| Personnel: A. Aydin, M. Antonellini, and F. Agosta | |
| Collaborators: M. Prasad, P. Chamberlain, and L. Durlofsky | |
| Sponsor: Stanford Rock Fracture Project | |
| Description: This is a multi-disciplinary project designed to document and model the control exerted by large normal faults on the release of subsurface CO2 into the atmosphere along Quaternary basins in central Italy. The focus is on the main fault strands bounding the Fucino basin on the east, which are segmented into minor panels that juxtapose the basin infilling against massive Cretaceous platform limestone. We integrate structural, mineralogical, and petrophysical data from various elements making up the fault architecture and relate them to the fault geometry, amount of slip, and internal complexities. The goal is to characterize the fault permeability both across and along the faults and assess transmissibility and sealing potential of similar faults in carbonate aquifers and reservoirs. We also investigate the fault fluid composition and how it varies along the basins, by studying the geochemical signature left by CO2-enriched fluids in fault rocks cements and veins. | |
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| Selected Publications: Agosta, F., M. Prasad, and A. Aydin, Pore structure, porosity, permeability, and capillary pressure of carbonate fault rocks, Fucino basin (central Italy): implications for fault seal. Submitted to the AAPG Bulletin. | |