Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : Results are reported for an acidic water flow-through experiment conducted in a fractured argillaceous limestone sample (73% carbonates). The change in fracture geometry and related parameters is reported for six data sets obtained from synchrotron X-ray microtomography experiments. High-resolution three-dimensional images of the sample allowed quantification of the changes in fracture morphology at a spatial resolution of 6 ;μm. Mineral mass loss and permeability changes in the sample were also determined. Several physico-chemical phenomena were identified during the experiment. Initial smooth fracture surfaces evolved rapidly toward rough surfaces with uneven clay coverage due to the preferential dissolution of carbonate minerals compared to clay minerals whose dissolution rate is about 106 slower. A microporous clay coating progressively developed at the fluid-rock interface during heterogeneous dissolution of the fracture, while the global dissolution rate of the fracture walls exponentially decreased. The increase in surface roughness and the presumed reorganization of clays caused a progressive reduction in permeability. During the last flow-through stage, a large decrease in sample permeability was attributed to the large removal of clay particles; this process was responsible for a dramatic collapse of the fracture walls near the sample inlet and led to the development of preferential flow pathways. The development of the clay coating also acted as a barrier to flow and mass transfer between calcite grains and bulk solution and affected transport processes within the fracture
ISSN: 0043-1397

hal-00405333
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00405333
DOI : 10.1029/2006WR005379

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Résumé : International audience
We describe the structure, microstructure, and petrophysical properties of fault rocks from two normal fault zones formed in low-porosity turbiditic arkosic sandstones, in deep diagenesis conditions similar to those of deeply buried reservoirs. These fault rocks are characterized by a foliated fabric and quartz-calcite sealed veins, which formation resulted from the combination of the (1) pressure solution of quartz, (2) intense fracturing sealed by quartz and calcite cements, and (3) neoformation of synkinematic white micas derived from the alteration of feldspars and chlorite. Fluid inclusion microthermometry in quartz and calcite cements demonstrates fault activity at temperatures of 195degC to 268degC. Permeability measurements on plugs oriented parallel with the principal axes of the finite strain ellipsoid show that the Y axis (parallel with the foliation and veins) is the direction of highest permeability in the foliated sandstone (10-2 md for Y against 10-3 md for X, Z, and the protolith, measured at a confining pressure of 20 bars). Microstructural observations document the localization of the preferential fluid path between the phyllosilicate particles forming the foliation. Hence, the direction of highest permeability in these fault rocks would be parallel with the fault and subhorizontal, that is, perpendicular to the slickenlines representing the local slip direction on the fault surface. We suggest that a similar relationship between kinematic markers and fault rock permeability anisotropy may be found in other fault zone types (reverse or strike-slip) affecting feldspar-rich lithologies in deep diagenesis conditions.
ISSN: 0149-1423

hal-00903428
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00903428
DOI : 10.1306/03071312127

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : Deficient sealing in the well cement plugs and annulus due to mechanical fracturing is an important risk of CO2 leakage from the reservoir to others permeable layers and the surface. Such situation was reproduced at laboratory scale in order to determine the hydro-chemical control on the fracture permeability. Specifically, we investigated the effect of CO2 rich-brine flowing through fractured Portland cements at T = 60 °C and P = 10 MPa and variable flow rates. We showed that carbonation process is dominant and induces permeability decrease and leakage mitigation for extremely low flow rate whereas for high flow rate injection the permeability remains constant due to the precipitation of a low density secondary Si-rich phase which maintains the initial fracture aperture. At intermediate flow rate the hydraulic aperture can increase due to the densification of the material triggered by the net precipitation of low porosity calcite. These results emphasize that more complex behaviors than those considered from batch experiments may take place in the vicinity of flowing fractures. Specifically, the redissolution of the neoformed calcite as well as the development of amorphous phases, both controlled by the CO2-rich brine renewing rate in the fracture may prevent the healing fracture.
ISSN: 1750-5836

hal-00857555
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00857555
DOI : 10.1016/j.ijggc.2013.04.002

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : In order to minimize CO2 atmospheric concentration, a solution consists in sequestrating CO2 in geological reservoirs. To estimate long term risks, it is necessary to quantify the couplings between reaction processes as well as structural and hydrodynamical modifications. We realised two experimental benches enabling injecting CO2-enriched-brine in conditions corresponding to in situ storage (T < 200 oC and P < 200 bar) and developed
an experimental protocol using X-Ray microtomography and fluid and rock analyses in order to measure the variations of physical and chemical parameters.
The study of carbonated reservoirs near the injection well, allows quantifying different k-phi relationships depending on the dissolution processes and triggered by the local fluid chemical composition and initials conditions. Away from the injection well, we observe carbonate precipitation decreasing the permeability. The study of fracturated caprock samples shows that alternative percolation of CO2-enriched-brine and CO2 gas increases the fracture permeability.
The study of silicated rocks indicates carbonate precipitation in zeolite sandstone and sintered dunite grains. Nevertheless, in zeolite sandstone we also observe the precipitation of clay particles located in the uid pathways which decrease strongly the permeability.
Afin de minimiser la concentration en CO2 dans l'atmosphère une solution consiste à le séquestrer dans les réservoirs géologiques. Pour évaluer les risques à long terme, il est nécessaire de quantifier les couplages entre les processus réactionnels et les modifications structurales et hydrodynamiques. Dans cette optique, nous avons construit deux dispositifs expérimentaux permettant d'injecter des saumures chargées en CO2 dans les conditions de stockage (T < 200 °C et P < 200 bar) et mis en oeuvre un protocole expérimental utilisant la microtomographie RX et l'analyse des roches et des fuides pour quantifier les variations des paramètres physiques et chimiques. Dans le cas des réservoirs carbonatés, on observe, près du puits d'injection, une forte variabilité des relations k-phi en fonction du régime de dissolution contrôlé par la chimie locale du fluide, ainsi que par les conditions initiales. A plus grande distance, on observe des processus de précipitation diminuant fortement la perméabilité. L'étude des roches de couverture fracturées (argilite) a montré qu'une percolation alternée d'une saumure chargée en CO2 et de CO2 gaz augmentait la perméabilité de fracture. Dans le cas des roches silicatées, la précipitation de carbonates est mise en évidence aussi bien dans les grès à zéolites que dans les frittés de dunite de San Carlos. Cependant, dans les grès à zéolites, la précipitation d'une phase argileuse est observée dans les chemins d'écoulement et engendre une forte diminution de la perméabilité.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00416408

tel-00416408
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00416408
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00416408/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00416408/file/These_Luquot.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Chemical Society
Résumé : Experiments were conducted to assess the potential impact of fractured well-cement degradation on leakage rate. Permeability was monitored while CO2-enriched reservoir-equilibrated brine was flowed at constant rate through a single fracture in a class G cement core under conditions mimicking geologic sequestration environments (temperature 60 °C, pressure 10 MPa). The results demonstrate that, at least for the conditions used in the experiment, an initial leakage in a 42 μm aperture fracture (permeability = 1.5 × 10-10 m2) can be self-mitigated due to the decrease of the fracture hydraulic aperture after about 15 h. This decrease results from the development of continuous highly hydrated amorphous Si-rich alteration products at the edge of the fracture and the dense carbonation of the bulk cement that mitigate the penetration of the alteration front.
ISSN: 0013-936X

hal-00950088
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00950088
DOI : 10.1021/es401317c

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : The coastal intrusion of brine threatens populations. This is particularly prejudicial in carbonate environments. We have studied the Miocene coral reef of S-E Majorca for better understanding the relation between geological structure and intrusion. For that purpose, we have used multi-scalar and multi-disciplinary methods. The measurements in 25 boreholes over the whole coral platform have allowed defining the stratigraphic structure and some elements of the regional tectonic. The reef progrades in the NE-SW direction, starting from the Aquitanian to terminates at the Messinian. The Messinian Salinity Crisis involves a disappearance of the Mediterranean corals and results in a Terminal Carbonate Complex which overlays a great part of the previously living corals of Majorca. At the experimental site scale, the study of the mineral composition, the texture, and the diagenesis have allowed characterization of the carbonate sequence heterogeneity. Layers of mineralization accompanied by dolomitization and low porosity correspond to postdepositional eustatic levels. The causes for the existence and the orientation of fractures are studied. The permeability to porosity relation is approached. The porosity structure is studied by comparison between primary and secondary porosity. This study contributes to the knowledge of the world best documented site for the evolution of carbonate reef reservoirs, with applications for brine intrusion and for hydrocarbon extraction.
Les intrusions d'eau salée en zone côtière constituent une menace pour la population. Celles-ci sont particulièrement dommageables en contexte carbonaté. Nous avons étudié le récif corallien Miocène du sud-est de Majorque afin de comprendre la relation entre structure géologique et intrusion. Pour cela nous avons utilisé des méthodes multi-scalaires et multi-disciplinaires. Les mesures dans 25 forages sur l'ensemble de la plateforme corallienne ont permis de préciser la structure stratigraphique et certains éléments de la tectonique régionale. Le récif prograde dans la direction NE-SO, en partant de l'Aquitanien pour aboutir au Messinien. La Crise de Salinité Messinienne entraîne une disparition des coraux méditerranéens et se traduit par un Complexe Carbonaté Terminal qui s'étend sur une grande partie des coraux autrefois vivants de Majorque. A l'échelle du site expérimental, l'étude de la composition minérale, de la texture et de la diagenèse ont permis de caractériser l'hétérogénéité de la séquence carbonatée. Des couches de minéralisation accompagnées de dolomitisation et de faible porosité correspondent à différents niveaux eustatiques post-dépositionnels. Les causes de l'existence et de l'orientation des fractures sont étudiées. La relation de perméabilité à porosité est précisée. La structure de porosité est étudiée par comparaison entre la porosité primaire et la porosité secondaire. Cette étude contribue à la connaissance du site le mieux documenté au monde pour l'évolution des réservoirs carbonatés récifaux, avec applications pour les intrusions d'eau salée et l'extraction des hydrocarbures.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00440019

tel-00440019
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00440019
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00440019/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00440019/file/thesemariasube.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : We present comparative field studies in folded areas (Southern France. Moroccan Western Atlas and Abruzzo, Italy) giving new insights into fracture distribution within folded rocks of the shallow brittle crust. We show that the curvature in folds formed in brittle mechanical units is usually accommodated by multiple "dip-domain boundaries" (appearing as curvature discontinuities at fold scale) corresponding to relatively narrow and dense fracture zones, striking parallel or slightly oblique to the fold axis. They separate "dip-domains" where curvature is absent or moderate. It is shown that the dip-domain boundaries (which are obvious in the case of kink folds or box-fold anticlines) are currently present as multiple subtle hinges even when the curvature appears continuous at first sight. The nature of dip-domain boundaries is studied, they often cut through the whole thickness of the mechanical units Their internal structure varies, and a non-exhaustive typology is proposed For each type, an interpretative kinematic scenario shows how the dip-domain boundaries could initiate and develop. We suggest two kinds of origins (1) they could correspond to the reactivation of inherited, along-strike fracture zones (opening-mode fracture concentrations such as big joints, fracture corridors. Inherited faults, etc), (2) they could be created as mechanical instabilities during the fold formation (syn-folding origin), in particular through small reverse faults. In both cases, early zones of weakness localize the dip-domain boundaries, and control the Increase in curvature in association with increasing fracture density within the boundary. Because they represent well-defined vertically and axially persistent sub-seismic fracture zones generally limited to the thickness of the folded unit, dip-domain boundaries could enhance the axial permeability of folded and fractured reservoirs.
ISSN: 0191-8141

hal-00512651
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00512651
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsg.2010.03.002

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag (Germany) Springer Verlag
Résumé : Production rates in horizontal shale gas wells display declines that are controlled by the low permeability and the intrinsic heterogeneity of the shale matrix. We present an original multi-continuum approach that yields a physical model able to reproduce the complexity of the decreasing gas rates. The model describes the dynamics of gas rate as function of the physical reservoir parameters and geometry, while the shale matrix heterogeneity is accounted for by a stochastic description of transmissivity field. From the 3D (Dimensional) problem setting, including the heterogeneous shale matrix, the fractures generated by the hydrofracking operations, as well as the production well characteristics, we establish an effective upscaled 1D model for the gas pressures in fracture and matrix as well as the volumetric flux. We analyse the decline curves behaviour, and we identify the time scales that characterize the dynamics of the gas rate decline using explicit analytical Laplace space solutions of the upscaled process model. Asymptotically, the flux curves decrease exponentially, while in an intermediate regime we find a power-law behaviour, in which the flux scales with a power law in time as (t^{-beta }), where (beta ) reflects the medium heterogeneity. We use this solution to fit a set of real data displaying distinctly different decline trends and study the sensitivity of the model to the reservoir parameters in order to identify their respective controls at the different stages of the decline curve dynamics. Results indicate that the initial value of the gas rate is determined by the transmissivity of the fractures and the initial pressure of the gas in the shale matrix. The latter causes mainly a shift in the entire decline curve. The early time of decline curve shape is primarily controlled by the fracture properties (compressibility and transmissivity). During the main part of the economically valuable production times, i.e. before the production rate drops exponentially, the decline curve is strongly controlled by the properties of the shale rocks including their heterogeneity, which is modelled by two parameters describing the non-Fickian pressure diffusion effects in a stochastic framework.
ISSN: 0169-3913

hal-01217247
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01217247
DOI : 10.1007/s11242-015-0504-y

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Large sand intrusions often exhibit conical morphologies analogous to magmatic intrusions such as saucer-shaped or cup-shaped sills. Whereas some physical processes may be similar, we show with scaled experiments that the formation of conical sand intrusions may be favoured by the pore-pressure gradients prevailing in the host rock before sand injection. Our experiments involve injecting air into a permeable and cohesive analogue material to produce hydraulic fractures while controlling the pore pressure field. We control the state of overpressure in the overburden by applying homogeneous basal pore pressure, and then adding a second local pore pressure field by injecting air via a central injector to initiate hydraulic fractures near the injection point. In experiments involving small vertical effective stresses (small overburden, or high pore fluid overpressure), the fracturing pressure (lambda(fract)) is supralithostatic and two dipping fractures are initiated at the injection point forming a conical structure. From theoretical considerations, we predict that high values of lambda(fract), are due to strong cohesion or high pore fluid overpressure distributed in the overburden. Such conditions are favoured by the pore pressure/stress coupling induced by both pore pressure fields. The dips of cones can be accounted for elastic-stress rotation occurring around the source. Contrary to magmatic chamber models, the aqueous fluid overpressure developed in a parent sandbody (and prevailing before the formation of injectites) may diffuse into the surrounding overburden, thus favouring stress rotation and the formation of inclined sheets far from the parent source. For experiments involving higher vertical effective stresses (thick overburden or low pore fluid overpressure), the fracturing pressure is lower than the lithostatic stress, and a single fracture is opened in mode I which then grows vertically. At a critical depth, the fracture separates into two dilatant branches forming a flat cone. We make use of a P.I.V. (Particle Imaging Velocimetiy) technique to analyse plastic deformation, showing that these inclined fractures are opened in mixed modes. Close to the surface, they change into steep shear bands where fluids can infiltrate. The final morphology of the fracture network is very similar to the common tripartite architecture of various injection complexes, indicating that different mechanisms may be involved in the formation of dykes. Feeder dykes under the sill zones may open as tensile fractures, while overlying dykes may be guided by the deformation induced by the growth of sills. These deformation conditions may also favour the formation of fluid escape structures and pockmarks. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
ISSN: 0012-821X

hal-00745640
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00745640
DOI : 10.1016/j.epsl.2011.10.029

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
One of the main difficulties encountered when characterizing the hydrodynamic properties of a fractured aquifer is to identify the preferential flow paths within it. Different methods may be applied to determine the variability of the permeability at the borehole scale and to image the structure of the main flow zones between boreholes. In this paper, we compare the information obtained from different measurement techniques performed in a set of three 100 m depth wells (well-to-well spacing: 5­10 m) in a fractured crystalline rock setting. Geophysical logging and borehole-wall imaging are used to identify open and closed fractures intersecting the boreholes and their orientation. The comparison with flowmeter and single packer tests shows that few of the fractures interpreted as open from geophysical logs are significantly transmissive. Cross-borehole connectivity is first investigated from single packer tests with pressure monitoring in adjacent boreholes. To determine fracture zone connectivity, we propose a methodology simply based on the variation with packer depth of the ratio of the drawdown in the observation well and the drawdown in the pumping well. The results are compared to the analysis of cross-borehole flowmeter tests. We show that both methods provide consistent results with a similar level of information on connectivity.
ISSN: 0022-1694

insu-00221380
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-00221380
DOI : 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2007.07.007

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : We investigate experimentally the alteration of fractured class-G cement flowed by CO2-rich brine. The experiment mimics a mechanically damaged rough-walled fractured cement annulus at temperature 60 °C and pressure 10 MPa. The experiment consists of flowing a reservoir-equilibrated brine mixed with CO2 (partial pressure of 2.3 MPa) through the fracture of average aperture 14 μm at constant flow rate (100 μL min−1). This flow rate corresponds to pressure gradient representative of an average in situ hydrodynamic condition. Results indicate an intense alteration of the cement with a large removal of mass at the scale of the sample. However, the fracture alteration patterns are triggered by the initial heterogeneity of the fracture aperture; the aperture of the low aperture zones tends to decrease due to calcite precipitation whereas preferential paths develop in the zones of higher aperture associated. Nevertheless, the expected large permeability increase triggered by the mass removal is mitigated by the precipitation of a low density Si-rich amorphous material. The alteration rate will decrease with time because of the increasing distance of diffusion between the fracture where the reactants are actively renewed by advection and the portlandite and C-S-H dissolution fronts. The different zones of reaction can be adequately modeled by a simple 1D diffusion-reaction model using published kinetics coefficients and extrapolation to larger times than the experiment time can be drawn. Altogether, and in addition to the previous studies of the alteration of fractured well cement annulus, this study shows that the leakage potential is strongly controlled by the initial distribution of the aperture along the fracture: low aperture zones will tend to self-heal while localized flow in connected high aperture paths will be perennial.
ISSN: 1750-5836

hal-01346006
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01346006
DOI : 10.1016/j.ijggc.2016.01.032

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : The main purpose of this thesis was to characterize and to model the hydrodynamic and thermochemical processes leading to the alteration of the wellbore cement materials under borehole conditions. Percolation experiments were performed on fractured cement samples under CO2 storage conditions (60°C and 10MPa). Injection flow rate was dictated by the fracture aperture of each sample. CO2 enriched brine was flowed along the fracture aperture, and permeability changes as well as chemical evolution of major cations were continuously acquired during the experiment time. Reaction paths developed by the alteration of the cement were characterized using microtomography and ESEM images. The experiments conducted using samples presenting large fracture apertures during 5h showed that permeability was maintained constant during the experiment time. Three reacted layers were displaying by the alteration of portlandite and CSH. Long term experiment (26h) conducted with large initial fracture aperture showed a decrease of the permeability after 15hours of CO2 exposure. Otherwise, experiments performed on samples presenting narrow apertures indicated the conversion of portlandite and CSH to calcite leading to the permeability reduction and the fracture clogging. Assemblages of phases and chemical changes were modelled using GEMS-PSI speciation code. We studied also using a coupled transport-reactive model the conditions leading to the cement alteration and the formation of associated layers.
L'objectif de cette thèse était de modéliser à partir des expériences de percolation-réactive, les processus hydrodynamique et réactionnel qui gouvernent l'altération des ciments de puits. Différentes expériences ont été réalisées dans des conditions représentatives de celles du stockage du CO2. Des échantillons fracturés ont été utilisés pour injecter une saumure enrichie en CO2 à 60°C et 10MPa et à différentes pressions partielles de CO2. Le débitd'injection variait en fonction des propriétés hydrauliques de l'échantillon exposé. L'injection d'une saumure enrichie en CO2 à débit constant à travers une fracture supposée plane a permis d'étudier les modifications des propriétés hydrodynamiques et ces conséquences sur la géochimie et la microstructure du ciment altéré. L'impact dynamique de l'évolution microstructurale a été mis en évidence. Les expériences conduites sur des échantillons présentant de larges ouvertures, réalisées sur une durée de 5 h, ont montré que la perméabilité était maintenue constante le long de l'expérience. Trois couches d'altération se sont développées consécutivement à la dissolution de la portlandite et la décalcification des CSH. L'altération a entrainé la précipitation des carbonates et de la silice amorphe à proximité de la fracture. Dans le cas d'une expérience longue durée appliquant les mêmes conditions que précédemment on a observé que la croissance de la silice amorphe a entrainé la diminution de la perméabilité. Par ailleurs les expériences effectuées sur des échantillons présentant de faibles ouvertures, ont indiqué que la conversion de la portlandite en calcite conduit au colmatage de la fracture. L'évolution des assemblages de phases conduisant à la formation des carbonates et de la silice amorphe a été modélisée à partir du code géochimique GEMS. Les mécanismes de diffusion et les processus de mise en place des couches d'altération ont été étudiés à partir d'un modèle analytique et d'un modèle de transport réactif à partir du code géochimique PHREEQC.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01038034

tel-01038034
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01038034
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01038034/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01038034/file/theseabdoulghafour.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Fault zones are major discontinuities in sedimentary basins. Understanding their role on fluid migrations is an essential issue to (i) characterize the mechanisms and kinematics of deformation and (ii) to determine the parameters which control the distribution of energetic or mineral resources. This work applies to faulting under a temperature range of 200-250°C, corresponding to that of deeply buried reservoirs as well as potentially seismogenic fault zones. The studied faults are normal faults affecting the “Grès d’Annot” Formation, a Priabonian-Rupelian siliclastic turbidite succession of the Alpine foreland basin. They are located in two distinct areas: the Moutière-Restefond area in the eastern part of the basin and the Estrop area in the western part. Vitrinite reflectance outside fault zones indicates maximal temperatures of 240-260°C at Moutière-Restefond and 170-200°C at Estrop, i.e. burial depths around 8 km and 6 km, respectively, assuming a mean geothermal gradient of 30°C/km. Burial was due to underthrusting below the Embrunais-Ubaye Alpine nappes, the difference in burial between the two areas traducing the westward taper of the nappe front.The studied faults affect alternating arkosic sandstone beds and pelite layers with offsets from centimeters to decameters. Two types of core zones are recognized: (1) the foliated core zones of the Moutière-Restefond area, where deformation dominated by pressure solution and synkinematic phyllosilicate neoformation resulted in a foliated fabric, and (2) the core zones of the Estrop area, characterized by dilatant quartz-mineralized veins and breccia. Fault and host rock petrophysical properties were measured on drill plugs, using the water porosity technique and nitrogen permeability technique under 2 Mpa of confining pressure. In the Moutière-Restefond fault zones, plug axes were oriented in three orthogonal directions corresponding to the main deformation axes (X, Y, Z) of the foliated arkose to characterize the effect of structural anisotropy. In the Estrop fault zones, where deformation does not show equivalent anisotropy, the plug axes were oriented according to the main fault plane orientation (i.e., parallel to azimuth, parallel to dip and normal). In each fault zone, the porosity of fault rocks is equivalent to that of host rocks. In the Moutière-Restefond fault zones, the plugs parallel to the X and Z axes of deformation have a permeability similar to that of the host rocks, whereas permeability parallel to the Y axis (i.e. parallel to the foliation and the main fault plane) is one order of magnitude higher. By contrast, the permeability values in the Estrop fault zones are isotropic and equivalent to the host rock values. This study highlights the importance of various types of deformation mechanisms and related fluid-rock interactions in determining different fault rock types within a similar protolith, ultimately controlling distinct petrophysical properties of fault zones.
Les zones de failles constituent des discontinuités majeures dans la croûte supérieure. Ce mémoire s’intéresse aux failles actives à des profondeurs de 5-8 km, i.e. dans des conditions pouvant jouer un rôle important (i) sur le comportement mécanique de de la croûte, en particulier sur son potentiel sismogénique et (ii) sur la compartimentation des réservoirs géologiques profondément enfouis.Les failles étudiées sont des failles normales (rejet jusqu’à 50 mètres) affectant des alternances de bancs de grès arkosiques et de pélites dans les Grès d’Annot, une formation turbiditique d’âge priabonien-rupélien du bassin d’avant-chaine alpin. Les Grès d’Annot ont été enfouis sous les nappes de l’Embrunais-Ubaye peu de temps après leur dépôt et exhumés au Miocène moyen-supérieur. L’étude a été réalisée dans deux secteurs des Alpes de Haute-Provence, (1) le secteur de l’Estrop (chaine des Trois Evéchés, dans la partie occidentale du bassin) et (2) le secteur de Point Vert-Restefond (alentours du col de la Bonette, dans la partie orientale du bassin). La réflectance de la vitrinite dans les Grès d’Annot indique des températures maximales de 160-190°C dans le secteur (1) et de 240-260 °C dans le secteur (2) , soit des profondeurs d’enfouissement de 5-6 km et 8-10 km, respectivement, dans l’hypothèse d’un gradient géothermique moyen de 25-30°C/km. A partir des observations microstructurales, de données d’inclusions de fluides, de modélisations thermodynamiques sur chlorites syncinématiques et des indices de cristallinité de l’illite, on a établi que les failles du secteur (1) ont fonctionné à une température d’environ 200°C pour une pression de 0.6Kbar et celles du secteur (2) dans une gamme de température de 200-220°C et de pression comprise entre 0.6 et 1.1 Kba. L’activité de la faille de Point-Vert a été datée par la méthode 40Ar/39Ar au Miocène inférieur (21 Ma). Ces failles sont interprétées comme associées aux premiers stades du soulèvement résultant de l’activité des chevauchements dans le socle sous-jacent.Deux types principaux de roches de failles caractérisent les failles étudiées. Les brèches dilatantes sont majoritaires dans les zones de failles du secteur (1) alors que les arkoses foliées sont majoritaires dans les zones de failles du secteur (2). Les brèches dilatantes témoignent de mécanismes de déformation dominés par la fracturation transgranulaire et la pression-solution des silicates. Ce dernier mécanisme se manifeste principalement par d’abondantes précipitations cycliques de quartz, les stylolites restant peu développés. Les géométries structurales sont associées à l’activation de plans T de Riedel déterminant l’ouverture de relais extensifs et un régime localement dilatant. Nous associons ce type de roche de faille à une faible pression effective au cours de la déformation.La déformation cisaillante exprimée dans les arkoses foliées témoigne de mécanismes de déformation dominés par (i) la fracturation intragranulaire et transgranulaire, (ii) la pressionsolution/ précipitation des silicates, principalement le quartz, (iii) la néoformation de micas blancs liée à l’altération des feldspaths et (iv) la précipitation de chlorite. Ce travail montre également que les transformations minéralogiques liées aux interactions fluide-roche dans la zone de faille (forte augmentation de la proportion des phyllosilicates au dépend des feldspaths) changent radicalementla composition minéralogique de la roche. Nous associons ce type de roche de faille à une forte pression effective au cours de la déformation.La pétrophysique montre que les brèches de failles (secteur 1) ont une perméabilité isotrope et équivalente à celle du protolithe (10-3mD sous 2 MPa de confinement) tandis que les roches foliées (secteur 2) montrent une augmentation de perméabilité (10-2mD) selon l’axe Y de la déformation, d’un ordre de grandeur supérieure aux perméabilités suivant les axes X et Z et dans la roche hôte (10-3mD). Ce drain préférentiel potentiel est associé à l’orientation des phyllosilicates dans la foliation.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382

tel-01310382
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382/file/Th%C3%A8seCAVAILHES2012.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
Claystone caprocks are often the ultimate seal for CO2 underground storage when residual CO2 gas reaches the reservoir top due to buoyancy. Permeability changes of a fractured claystone due to seepage of CO2-enriched brine and water vapor-saturated CO2 gas are investigated. Results show that brine flow induces a large porosity increase (up to 50%) in the vicinity of the fracture due to dissolution of calcite and quartz, while permeability remains unchanged. Conversely, cyclic flows of CO2-brine and CO2-gas increase the fracture aperture abruptly after each gas flow period, producing a progressive decrease of the caprock seal capacity. Aperture increase is controlled by decohesion of the clay framework within a micrometer-scale-thick layer induced by CO2-gas acidification. Results show that hydraulic aperture increases linearly with duration of the preceding CO2-brine flow period, emphasizing the kinetic control of the quartz grains dissolution during the brine flow periods.
ISSN: 0094-8276

hal-00412332
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00412332
DOI : 10.1029/2008GL034467

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Wiley
Résumé : International audience
The way faults control upward fluid flow in nonmagmatic hydrothermal systems in extensional context is still unclear. In the Eastern Pyrénées, an alignment of twenty-nine hot springs (29 ∘ C to 73 ∘ C), along the normal Têt fault, offers the opportunity to study this process. Using an integrated multiscale geological approach including mapping, remote sensing, and macro-and microscopic analyses of fault zones, we show that emergence is always located in crystalline rocks at gneiss-metasediments contacts, mostly in the Têt fault footwall. The hot springs distribution is related to high topographic reliefs, which are associated with fault throw and segmentation. In more detail, emergence localizes either (1) in brittle fault damage zones at the intersection between the Têt fault and subsidiary faults or (2) in ductile faults where dissolution cavities are observed along foliations, allowing juxtaposition of metasediments. Using these observations and 2D simple numerical simulation, we propose a hydrogeological model of upward hydrothermal flow. Meteoric fluids, infiltrated at high elevation in the fault footwall relief, get warmer at depth because of the geothermal gradient. Topography-related hydraulic gradient and buoyancy forces cause hot fluid rise along permeability anisotropies associated with lithological juxtapositions, fracture, and fault zone compositions.
ISSN: 1468-8115

hal-01582968
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01582968
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01582968/document
https://hal-brgm.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01582968/file/Taillefer_et_al_Geofluids_2017.pdf
DOI : 10.1155/2017/8190109

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
A large sand injectite network is very well exposed in the area of Bevons, Southeast France. The associated sandstone turbiditic channel–fill and the host marls are the Aptian–Albian rocks of the Vocontian Basin. The sand injection network is composed of dykes, sills and sedimentary laccoliths ranging in thickness from mm to pluri–m. The dykes and sills have vertical and horizontal lengths of up to and over 100 m and 1 km, respectively. Outcrop observations show that the architecture and morphology of the sand injectites in the marls is governed by the local stress field during injection, pre–existing faults, the host–rock lithology, compaction, and distance to the potential sand source(s). The main set of dykes is oriented N50–60° perpendicular to the minimum compressive stress σ3 during sand injection. Two other sets of dykes are intruded along pre–existing syn–sedimentary faults oriented N140–150° (set 2) and N90° (set 3) during the Apto–Cenomanian interval. Sills and dykes thin laterally away from their potential sand sources and thin laterally away from them. The vertical thickness variations of the dykes and wings are more complex, as thinning away from the sand sources is often compensated by thickening toward the palaeo–surface. Based on field observations and measurements, we characterized the 3D architecture of the sand injectites and showed that the injectites probably formed due to a forceful injection from an overpressured sand body sealed by low–permeability lithologies.
ISSN: 0191-8141

hal-01243488
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01243488
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsg.2015.07.001

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Wiley-Blackwell
Résumé : This study describes normal fault zones formed in foreland arkosic turbidites (the Grès d'Annot Formation, SW French Alps) under deep diagenesis conditions (~200 °C) and highlights the occurrence of two markedly different fault-rock types: (1) the foliated fault rocks of the Moutière-Restefond area; and (2) the dilatant fault rocks of the Estrop area. The deformation of (1) is dominated by intra- and transgranular fracturing, pressure solution of quartz and feldspar grains and syn-kinematic phyllosilicate precipitation resulting from feldspar alteration. The combination of these mechanisms results in a strongly anisotropic strain with intense shortening normal to the foliation (pressure solution) and extension parallel to the foliation (quartz- and calcite-sealed extension veins). This deformation implies local mass transfer that may be achieved without (or with limited) volume change. The deformation of (2) is expressed as dilatant quartz-sealed veins and breccia textures in which the main mechanisms are transgranular fracturing and quartz precipitation. Type (2) implies fault volume increase, isotropy of deformation and mass transfer at distances larger than in type (1). This study discusses the origins of (1) and (2) and shows that the permeability of (1) is anisotropic, with higher values than the host rocks parallel to the Y main deformation axis (i.e. perpendicular to the slip vector), whereas the permeability of (2) is isotropic and equivalent to that of the host rocks.
ISSN: 0954-4879

hal-01115177
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01115177
DOI : 10.1111/ter.12100

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Sand intrusions (or injectites) are most often the product of post-depositional remobilization of sand leading to its injection into the surrounding rocks. While injectites were recognized for the first time nearly 200 years ago, their emplacement process has been studied for a couple of decades only, since the concepts of deep sea depositional environments have allowed us to better understand their emplacement processes. However, these processes are still relatively poorly understood. Our approach is based on the study of injectites in the Lower Congo Basin from seismic and well data, which we compare to a fossil system in the SE France basin. We have shown that: (1) In buried turbidite channel systems draping deposits on the channel flanks and terraces of channels have the same geophysical signature as 'wing-like' injectites. Finally, the only criterion for identifying seismic injectites is the presence of bedding-discordant seismic reflections, and in the best case the associated uplift of the overlying seismic reflectors. (2) Seismic-scale conical and saucer-shaped sand injectites have been identified in the Lower Congo Basin. The remobilization is likely due to overpressuring induced by the buoyancy effect of hydrocarbons trapped in the margins of a lobe buried underneath 160 m of sediment, followed by the sudden injection of fluidized sand associated with fault reactivation of faults (with a possible role of nearby salt diapirs). (3) A network of injectites (dykes, sills/wings and laccoliths) was formed in the Vocontian basin during the late Albian and/or early Cenomanian, from a lower-middle Albian turbidite channel. The emplacement is probably due to the early compartmentalization of the channel during its burial and the increase of the sedimentation rate generating overpressure; and the subsequent large influx of deep fluids triggering injection. The injection of sand was polyphased: a first episode formed the sills and another emplaced the dykes. Sills/wings and dykes propagated about 2 km laterally away from the parent sand body and about 200 m up to the surface, revealing a much more extended lateral than vertical reach, contrary to the classically accepted idea from the interpretation of seismic data. (4) The emplacement of this large network of injectites was governed by hydrofracturing. Therefore, its morphology is dependent on the host rock heterogeneity (isotropy, fractures), the paleo-stress orientation (ó3 = NW-SE) and the burial depth of the source (300-600 m) at the time of injection. The study of this fossil network allows us to define the relationship between morphology of the injected network and stress state at the time of injection. This relationship can be extrapolated to constrain the morphology of subsurface networks beyond seismicvisibility. (5) Sands injected into low permeability lithologies bear evidence to a major event of fluid escape in the studied basin, but also channeled fluids long after their formation. In this way, injectites both attest to specific episodes of fluid migration in sedimentary basins and contribute to long-lived re-routing of migrating fluids once emplaced. The injection of sand is associated with the sudden escape of fluids, probably resulting from a significant tectonic and/or sedimentary event; in addition, the architecture of injectite networks is governed by the local paleo-stress and heterogeneity in the host rock. Consequently, characterizing injectite networks is an important step in understanding the plumbing systems of continental margins, i.e. the post-depositional evolution of sedimentary basins.
Les intrusions sableuses (ou injectites) sont le plus souvent le produit de la remobilisation post-dépositionnelle des sédiments et de l'injection du sable dans les roches environnantes. Bien que reconnues pour la première fois il y a près de 200 ans, elles ne sont réellement étudiées que depuis quelques dizaines d'années, depuis que les concepts sur les environnements de dépôt dans les domaines marins profonds nous permettent de mieux comprendre les processus de mise en place. Cependant, ces processus restent encore aujourd'hui relativement mal compris. Notre approche repose sur l'étude d'injectites dans le bassin du Bas-Congo a partir de données de sismique et de puits que nous comparerons a un système fossile dans le bassin du SE de la France. Nous avons montre que : (1) Dans des systèmes de chenaux turbiditiques enfouis, les dépôts de drapage sur les marges et terrasses de chenaux présentent la même signature géophysique que les injectites de type "wing". Finalement, le seul critère sismique d'identification des injectites est la présence de réflexions sismiques sécantes vis-a-vis de la stratigraphie associée dans le meilleur des cas au soulèvement des réflecteurs sismiques sus-jacents. (2) Des injectites d'échelle sismique en forme de cône et d'assiette ont été identifiées dans le bassin du Bas-Congo. La remobilisation résulte probablement des pressions anormales induites par l'effet de flottabilité des hydrocarbures piégés dans les marges d'un lobe enfoui sous 160 m de sédiment, puis de l'injection soudaine du sable fluidise associée a la réactivation de failles (possible rôle des diapirs de sel a proximité). (3) Un réseau d'injectites (dykes, sills/wings et laccolites) s'est formé dans le bassin Vocontien entre la fin de l'Albien supérieur et/ou le début du Cénomanien, depuis un chenal turbiditique de l'Albien inférieur-moyen. La mise en place résulte probablement de la compartimentalisation précoce du chenal au cours de son enfouissement et de l'augmentation du taux de sédimentation générant la surpression et de l'apport ulterieur d'importante quantité de fluides profonds déclenchant l'injection. L'injection du sable a été polyphasée : une première injection a formé des sills et une suivante des dykes. Les sills/wings et les dykes se sont propagés latéralement au chenal source sur environ 2 km et vers la surface sur environ 200 m, mettant en évidence une forte remobilisation latérale plutôt que verticale, contrairement a l'idée classiquement admise a partir de l'interprétation des données sismiques. (4) La formation de ce large réseau d'injectites a été gouvernée par des mécanismes d'hydrofracturation. Par conséquent, sa morphologie a été dépendante des hétérogenéités de la roche hôte (milieu isotrope, fracture), des directions de paléo-contraintes (ƒÐ3 = NWSE) et de la profondeur d'enfouissement de la source (300-600 m) au moment de l'injection. L'étude de ce réseau fossile permet de définir les relations entre morphologie du réseau injecté et état de contraintes au moment de l'injection. Cette relation peut être extrapolée de façon à contraindre la morphologie des réseaux de subsurface au-delà de la visibilité sismique. (5) Les sables injectés dans des lithologies de faible perméabilité témoignent d'un épisode d'échappement de fluide important dans les bassins étudiés mais ont aussi guide les fluides longtemps après leur formation. Les injectites contribuent ainsi a l'initiation épisodique et la pérennisation de migrations de fluides dans les bassins sedimentaires. Le processus d'injection est associé a l'échappement brutal de fluides, résultant vraisemblablement d'un évènement tectonique et/ou sédimentaire important, et l'architecture des réseaux d'injectites est gouverné par les paléo-contraintes locales et les hétérogénéités de la roche hôte. Par conséquent, la caractérisation des réseaux d'injectites est une étape importante dans la compréhension de la plomberie des marges, c'est-a-dire l'évolution post-dépôt des bassins sédimentaires.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01011486

tel-01011486
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01011486
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01011486/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01011486/file/These_Monnier_2013_banalisee.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
An analytical solution in the Laplace domain is derived for modeling anomalous pressure diffusion during pumping tests in aquifer displaying hierarchical fractal fracture networks. The proposed solution generalizes all of the analytical models for fractal flow published previously by combining multifractal diffusion and nested multiporosity with transient exchanges, interface skin effects, and well storage effect. Solutions are derived for fracture-delimited blocks with planar, cylindrical, and spherical shapes, as well as with any fractional dimensional shapes. Any combinations of these shapes can be defined in order to model a large range of situations. Within each permeability level, the fractal properties of the fracture network can be specified and the fractal dimension can be distinct from the shape dimension of the block.
ISSN: 0043-1397

hal-00411549
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00411549
DOI : 10.1029/2008WR007125

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
Carbonation of peridotite is a widespread process in nature, with emerging societal and environmental implications through geological storage of CO2. We studied the micro- and nano-scale structures associated with the carbonation of peridotite pervaded by a CO2-rich water and the induced changes of its hydrodynamic properties. Focused ion beam (FIB) nanotomography was coupled with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. An experimental sample of dunite core percolated by a CO2-rich fluid (pCO2 = 11 MPa) at 160 °C was compared with a naturally carbonated sample from the Atlantic Ridge (Exp. IODP 304). Results of the 8-days percolation experiment show continuous alteration of olivine into magnesite locally associated with a poorly crystalline serpentine-type mineral referred to as proto-serpentine. The experiment is also characterized by an overall decrease in rock porosity (from 7.7 to 6.4%) and permeability (from 8.5 × 10− 16 to 1.7 × 10− 16 m2). The primary inter-granular porosity (1 to 10 μm) is progressively filled with magnesite, leading to the overall decrease of permeability. At the same time, a secondary small-scale porosity (10 nm to 1 μm) is created at the tip of the dissolution features along the (010) cleavage planes of olivine grains. Carbonate crystals grow within these etch-pit structures behind the dissolution front. Dissolution and precipitation occur at a relative rate that maintains the secondary porosity over the timescale of the experiment (i.e. carbonate growth has to be the slowest one). This process is interpreted as an interface coupled dissolution-precipitation mechanism of olivine carbonation. Proto-serpentine is only formed in highly reduced flow areas, such as small olivine etch-pits (10 to 500 nm wide), which are more isolated from CO2 input. SEM-FIB analyses show the 3D preferential orientation of the dissolution-precipitation planes within a given olivine grain. It suggests the formation of lateral connections between the etch-pits (infra-micrometric “channels”) providing access to reactants and removing reaction products at the reaction sites. The experimental results show that olivine dissolution and magnesite precipitation converge to a quasi-steady state resulting in a constant carbonation rate controlled by reaction kinetics and not by mass transfer for this flow regime. The system self-regulates, independently of the porosity change at least during this incipient stage of olivine carbonation. Similar textures are observed in natural samples collected at 170 m-depth in the vicinity of veinlets driving late fluids down into the cooling oceanic lithosphere. This suggests that similar mechanisms are active in nature and can play an important role in the late, low temperature alteration stages of fractured peridotite. These results also highlight the critical role of nm-scale spatial arrangement of dissolution and precipitation features on mass transfers and on the sustainability of olivine carbonation through coupled dissolution-precipitation processes.
ISSN: 0009-2541

hal-01684733
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01684733
DOI : 10.1016/j.chemgeo.2017.11.013