Scale-independent relationship between permeability and resistivity in mated fractures with natural rough surfaces

K. Sawayama; T. Ishibashi; F. Jiang; T. Tsuji; O. Nishizawa; Y. Fujimitsu

doi:10.1016/j.geothermics.2021.102065

Scale-independent relationship between permeability and resistivity in mated fractures with natural rough surfaces

K. Sawayama, T. Ishibashi, F. Jiang, T. Tsuji, O. Nishizawa, Y. Fujimitsu

Earth Science and Technology

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Geothermal systems consisting of fractures in impermeable rocks are difficult to characterize by in situ methods. In an effort to link characteristics of small-scale and large-scale fractures, this study investigated possible relations between their geophysical parameters. We upscaled the relationship between fracture permeability and formation factor in a laboratory specimen to larger fracture dimensions. Microscopic flow characteristics indicate that this relationship is related to the tortuosity of flow paths. We derived an empirical formula that directly predicts changes in fracture permeability from changes in formation factor. This relation may make it possible to monitor subsurface hydraulic activities through resistivity observations.

Original language	English
Article number	102065
Journal	Geothermics
Volume	94
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geothermics.2021.102065
Publication status	Published - Jul 2021

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
Geology

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.1016/j.geothermics.2021.102065

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title = "Scale-independent relationship between permeability and resistivity in mated fractures with natural rough surfaces",

abstract = "Geothermal systems consisting of fractures in impermeable rocks are difficult to characterize by in situ methods. In an effort to link characteristics of small-scale and large-scale fractures, this study investigated possible relations between their geophysical parameters. We upscaled the relationship between fracture permeability and formation factor in a laboratory specimen to larger fracture dimensions. Microscopic flow characteristics indicate that this relationship is related to the tortuosity of flow paths. We derived an empirical formula that directly predicts changes in fracture permeability from changes in formation factor. This relation may make it possible to monitor subsurface hydraulic activities through resistivity observations.",

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AU - Sawayama, K.

AU - Ishibashi, T.

AU - Jiang, F.

AU - Tsuji, T.

AU - Nishizawa, O.

AU - Fujimitsu, Y.

PY - 2021/7

Y1 - 2021/7

N2 - Geothermal systems consisting of fractures in impermeable rocks are difficult to characterize by in situ methods. In an effort to link characteristics of small-scale and large-scale fractures, this study investigated possible relations between their geophysical parameters. We upscaled the relationship between fracture permeability and formation factor in a laboratory specimen to larger fracture dimensions. Microscopic flow characteristics indicate that this relationship is related to the tortuosity of flow paths. We derived an empirical formula that directly predicts changes in fracture permeability from changes in formation factor. This relation may make it possible to monitor subsurface hydraulic activities through resistivity observations.

AB - Geothermal systems consisting of fractures in impermeable rocks are difficult to characterize by in situ methods. In an effort to link characteristics of small-scale and large-scale fractures, this study investigated possible relations between their geophysical parameters. We upscaled the relationship between fracture permeability and formation factor in a laboratory specimen to larger fracture dimensions. Microscopic flow characteristics indicate that this relationship is related to the tortuosity of flow paths. We derived an empirical formula that directly predicts changes in fracture permeability from changes in formation factor. This relation may make it possible to monitor subsurface hydraulic activities through resistivity observations.

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JF - Geothermics

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Scale-independent relationship between permeability and resistivity in mated fractures with natural rough surfaces

Abstract

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

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