Fault zone architecture and permeability structure

Abstract

Research Article| November 01, 1996 Fault zone architecture and permeability structure Jonathan Saul Caine; Jonathan Saul Caine 1Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar James P. Evans; James P. Evans 2Department of Geology, Utah State University, Logan, Utah 84322-4505 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Craig B. Forster Craig B. Forster 3Earth Sciences and Resources Institute, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1996) 24 (11): 1025–1028. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<1025:FZAAPS>2.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Jonathan Saul Caine, James P. Evans, Craig B. Forster; Fault zone architecture and permeability structure. Geology 1996;; 24 (11): 1025–1028. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1996)024<1025:FZAAPS>2.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Fault zone architecture and related permeability structures form primary controls on fluid flow in upper-crustal, brittle fault zones. We develop qualitative and quantitative schemes for evaluating fault-related permeability structures by using results of field investigations, laboratory permeability measurements, and numerical models of flow within and near fault zones. The qualitative scheme compares the percentage of the total fault zone width composed of fault core materials (e.g., anastomosing slip surfaces, clay-rich gouge, cataclasite, and fault breccias) to the percentage of subsidiary damage zone structures (e.g., kinematically related fracture sets, small faults, and veins). A more quantitative scheme is developed to define a set of indices that characterize fault zone architecture and spatial variability. The fault core and damage zone are distinct structural and hydrogeologic units that reflect the material properties and deformation conditions within a fault zone. Whether a fault zone will act as a conduit, barrier, or combined conduit-barrier system is controlled by the relative percentage of fault core and damage zone structures and the inherent variability in grain scale and fracture permeability. This paper outlines a framework for understanding, comparing, and correlating the fluid flow properties of fault zones in various geologic settings. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.