Transport phenomena and field of geofluids

Abstract

Rock permeability was examined by fluid flow through single fracture in granite under confining pressure up to 100 MPa. Permeability of rocks below near surface is around 10^-6 to 10^-11 (log k [m2]), and it changed to ca. 10^-13 [m2] under 40 MPa (confining pressure). However, it was almost constant up to 100 MPa. These facts suggest that fracture is main field for fluid flow and crustal permeability is determined by density and properties of rock fracture even in the lower crust conditions.