Fluid-flow properties of faults in sandstone: The importance of temperature history

Abstract

Research Article| November 01, 2003 Fluid-flow properties of faults in sandstone: The importance of temperature history Quentin J. Fisher; Quentin J. Fisher 1Rock Deformation Research Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Martin Casey; Martin Casey 1Rock Deformation Research Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Simon D. Harris; Simon D. Harris 1Rock Deformation Research Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Robert J. Knipe Robert J. Knipe 1Rock Deformation Research Group, School of Earth Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (2003) 31 (11): 965–968. https://doi.org/10.1130/G19823.1 Article history received: 13 May 2003 rev-recd: 04 Aug 2003 accepted: 06 Aug 2003 first online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Quentin J. Fisher, Martin Casey, Simon D. Harris, Robert J. Knipe; Fluid-flow properties of faults in sandstone: The importance of temperature history. Geology 2003;; 31 (11): 965–968. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G19823.1 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 Sandstone rheology and deformation style are often controlled by the extent of quartz cementation, which is a function of temperature history. Coupling findings from deformation experiments with a model for quartz cementation provide valuable insights into the controls on fault permeability. Subsiding sedimentary basins often have a transitional depth zone, here referred to as the ductile-to-brittle transition, above which faults do not affect fluid flow or form barriers and below which faults will tend to form conduits. The depth of this transition is partly dependent upon geothermal gradient. In basins with a high geothermal gradient, fault-related conduits can form at shallow depths in high-porosity sandstone. If geothermal gradients are low, and fluid pressures are hydrostatic, fault-related conduits are only formed when the sandstones have subsided much deeper, where their porosity (and hence fluid content) is low. Mineralization of faults is more likely to occur in areas with high geothermal gradients because the rocks still have a high fluid content when fault-related fluid-flow conduits form. The interrelationship between rock rheology and stress conditions is sometimes a more important control on fault permeability than whether the fault is active or inactive. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.