The internal structure of fault zones in basalt sequences, and their effect on along- and across-fault fluid flow
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The internal structure of fault zones in basalt sequences, and their effect on along- and across-fault fluid flow
Thu, 09/06/2016 - 14:00 to 15:00
Location:
Speaker:
Dr. Rachael Ellen
Affiliation:
British Geological Survey
Synopsis:
It is well known that faults have the potential to alter fluid flow pathways within the subsurface, and as a result, a wealth of research has been carried out on the nature of faults and their effect on fluid flow within sedimentary-hosted reservoirs. Recent increases in hydrocarbon production from volcanic-hosted reservoirs, and the potential for CO2 storage in basalt, have generated interest in the flow properties of faults within volcanic rocks. To predict the effect of faulted volcanic rocks on fluid flow, the controls on the fault zone internal structure must be understood. This talk will give an overview of results from Dr Ellen’s PhD research, and will discuss the internal architecture of fault zones in basalt sequences, the controls on fault zone deformation at both macro- and micro-scales, and how mechanical and geochemical processes affect along- and across- fault fluid flow.
Biography:
Dr. Rachael Ellen graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2008 with a first class BSc honours degree in Earth Science, before going on to complete her PhD at the University of Strathclyde in 2012. Rachael’s PhD focussed on the study of fault zones in basalt sequences from the North Atlantic Igneous Province. Her results include the first predictive model for the structure and hydraulic behaviour of faults zones in basalt at depth, and the first in depth record of the mineralogical and geochemical changes that occur in basalt in relation to faulting. Following her PhD, Rachael worked at Midland Valley Exploration consultancy in Glasgow as a structural geologist, checking and restoring seismic restorations to reduce uncertainty in client interpretation and to validate interpretations and geological history of an area. Rachael now works as a geologist for the BGS, where she has worked for two and a half years. In this post, Rachael works on a range of projects from field mapping glacial deposits in the highlands, to building subsurface models in relation to geothermal exploration or coal mining. Rachael is also a co-investigator currently involved in a research project with Stephanie Zihms from IPE and Susana Garcia Lopez, studying the micro-scale controls on fracturing within Carboniferous-aged limestone, and their implications for CCS.