Three-Dimensional Hydrogeology of Fault Zones
We are developing physical models of the three-dimensional hydrogeologic structure of fault zones based on field mapping, mechanical modeling, and probabilistic modeling. Based on this model we develop inverse techniques for evaluating fault zone hydrology from well test data. This research integrates field work with deterministic and stochastic modeling to gain insight into how three-dimensional hydraulic conductivity structure of a fault develops through time.We have developed two- and three-dimensional physical models for the secondary fracturing that links natural faults together to form a conductive network. Using general conclusions drawn from the physical model, we have developed a three-dimensional stochastic model for the secondary fracture structure; this will serve as the basis for subsequent hydrogeologic inverse modeling. The stochastic analyses also constrain the magnitude of some of the parameters in the physical model. These models (Figures) are generated from outcrop data and our understanding of the mechanics of the structure using a technique called conditional coding.
Images from 3-D fracture modeling:
ellipse.gif -- a big blue polygon is an approximation of the parent circular crack. The yellow crescents, mode II fractures, are generated by an algorithm based on Bounding Ellipse Model. The center of each generating splay disk is distributed on a ring area near the perimeter of the main crack.
plane3D.gif -- almost the same as ellipse.gif; the only difference is at the splay. Here the mode II splays are half circles, and not based on the Bounding Ellipse Model.
stress.gif -- Everything is the same as plane3D.gif except that the center of splay, is determined by a stress intensity function.
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