Dear All,
after the EGU 2007 thematic session entitled “Faulting in carbonate rocks: new insights on deformation mechanisms, petrophysics, and fluid flow properties”, which was followed by a Special Issue of the Journal of Structural Geology (currently in press), at the next EGU General Assembly (Vienna, 2nd- 7th May 2010) we would like to extend our discussion to other types of rocks proposing the TS2.3 session entitled “Fault zone properties and growth mechanisms in the upper crust: insights from field, laboratory and modelling studies”.
Contributions from colleagues working on this topic will be welcomed. Our objective is to promote the integration of multi-disciplinary studies on faulting in the upper crust, in order to better define the relationships among deformation mechanisms, fault architecture and fault hydraulic behaviour.
If you like to contribute to this session, please take notice that abstracts should be submitted before January 18, 2010. The deadline for the submission of support applications is the December 4, 2009.
For all extra information, please check the official website of EGU2010 or feel free to contact us.
See you in Vienna,
Fabrizio Agosta – [log in to unmask]
Emanuele Tondi – [log in to unmask]
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EGU 2010 thematic session
TS2.3 “Fault zone properties and growth mechanisms in the upper crust: insights from field, laboratory and modelling studies”
Conveners
Fabrizio Agosta and Emanuele Tondi –
Session Description
Understanding of fault zone properties in different geological contexts is important from a scientific point of view, to better assess the processes of fault nucleation and subsequent fault development, as well as for the exploration and management of fluid-related geo-resources. Over a wide range of scales, geologists employ several methodologies to assess the geometry, kinematics, mechanics and spatial properties of fault zones. Large-scale deformation is typically assessed by the interpretation of subsurface geophysical data, whereas at an outcrop-scale it is studied directly in the field or, alternatively, from well cores and/or well logs. Thin-section scale deformation, on the contrary, is analyzed by optical microscopy, SEM and microprobe investigation of key microstructures. In the laboratory, experimental studies are conducted on natural and/or artificial samples to quantify both petrophysical and mechanical fault zone properties. The results of these studies are often integrated to assess the fault architecture and, hence, the control exerted by fault zones on subsurface fluid flow. On this regard, a great contribution has been provided by analogue and numerical modelling in layered and massive media. All these aspects require a good understanding of the specific factors controlling the faulting processes (i.e. pressure-temperature conditions, fluid content, etc.) and, possibly, of the structural complexities and heterogeneities present within individual fault zones (i.e. inherited structural features, linkage processes, etc.).
To address the aforementioned topics, this session aims to discuss the (1) short- and long-term processes related, at all scales, to the initiation and growth of individual faults and fault systems, and (2) the impact of these processes on porosity, permeability and overall transmissibility of fault zones. We encourage contributions from various disciplines in order to fuel the integration of field, laboratory and modelling studies to address the multi-scale relationships among deformation mechanisms, fault architecture and fault hydraulic properties.