Numerical Investigation of Geophysical Monitoring Based Upon Co2 Geological Storage and Leakage

Abstract

In this study, we conducted numerical simulations on long-term behaviour of CO2 injected into a saline aquifer and resulting changes of geophysical data to investigate which combination of the methods and measurement locations will be effective for the CCS monitoring based upon hypothetical CO2 geological storage and leakage calculations. Predicted geophysical data include seismic reflection, microgravity, and seafloor surface displacement. Simulated results indicated that time-lapse 3D seismic reflection surveys will be a primarily reliable tool for the CCS monitoring, while other methods also can provide additional and/or complementary data which will be helpful for a decision of whether to conduct a close investigation using methods with more cost. These investigations will be useful for constructing efficient and effective monitoring network for the future planning of CCS project.