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Updated: Jun 20, 2026
10:18
Dynamic Pore-scale Reservoir-condition Imaging of Reaction in Carbonates Using Synchrotron Fast Tomography
Published on: February 21, 2017
Onshore geologic storage of CO2
1Precourt Institute for Energy, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-4230, USA. fmorr@stanford.edu
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 26, 2009
Summary
Subsurface rock formations offer abundant pore space for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. Careful site selection and operations can ensure secure, long-term CO2 containment, paving the way for large-scale power plant testing.
Area of Science:
- Geological Sciences
- Environmental Engineering
- Climate Science
Background:
- Growing concerns about atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels necessitate effective carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions.
- Subsurface geological formations are being explored as potential reservoirs for long-term CO2 sequestration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the viability of injecting substantial quantities of CO2 into subsurface porous rock formations.
- To evaluate the capacity and trapping mechanisms for secure CO2 storage.
- To determine the feasibility of large-scale CO2 injection for climate change mitigation.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the availability of pore space in various subsurface rock types.
- Analyzed physical mechanisms for long-term CO2 trapping within geological formations.
- Assessed the potential for leakage and strategies for avoidance through careful site selection and operational procedures.
Main Results:
- Subsurface porous rock formations possess abundant pore space suitable for significant CO2 injection.
- Multiple rock types and physical mechanisms can indefinitely trap injected CO2.
- Leakage to the near-surface can be effectively avoided with meticulous site selection and operational protocols.
Conclusions:
- Geological CO2 storage is a technically feasible option for mitigating climate change.
- Further research and development are needed, with the next step being large-scale testing at a power plant.
- Secure and long-term CO2 sequestration in the subsurface is achievable.
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