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Updated: Jan 17, 2026
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A Uniaxial Compression Experiment with CO2-Bearing Coal Using a Visualized and Constant-Volume Gas-Solid Coupling Test System
Published on: June 12, 2019
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Fracture Topology in Mafic Formations: Implications for Geological Carbon Storage
Andrea Muñoz-Ibáñez1,2, J Carlos Santamarina1
1Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, United States.
Energy & Fuels : an American Chemical Society Journal
|September 24, 2025
Summary
Carbon mineralization in basalt formations offers effective CO2 sequestration. Fracture characteristics and mineralogy control storage capacity and long-term viability, requiring reassessment for large-scale deployment.
Area of Science:
- Geosciences
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Carbon mineralization shows promise for CO2 sequestration.
- Large-scale deployment faces uncertainties in fracture network dynamics and fracture-matrix interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate fracture characteristics in basalt formations for CO2 storage.
- Analyze the impact of fracture networks on CO2 sequestration efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Integration of field data, numerical simulations, and gravimetric-volumetric analyses.
- Fracture network modeling and chemo-gravimetric analysis.
Main Results:
- Fracture aperture correlates with block size, influenced by mineralogy (aperture-to-block size ratio β: ~0.7·10⁻² to 6·10⁻²).
- Dissolution amplifies aperture variability, but hexagonal topology aids mixing and delays flow localization.
- Mineralization sequesters 0.2-0.3 g CO2/g rock, exceeding pore-space storage, but reduces fracture transmissivity.
Conclusions:
- Mineralogy is key to fracture topology, reactivity, and storage capacity.
- Volume-positive mineralization leads to aperture shut-off, dependent on β and mineralization expansion factor ε (7-24% reacted volume).
- Reassessment of CO2 storage capacity in mafic rocks is crucial.
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