Geological Factors Crucial for CO2 Sequestration in Saline Aquifers | Quick Digest

Geological Factors Crucial for CO2 Sequestration in Saline Aquifers | Quick Digest
This scientific article from ESS Open Archive investigates the critical roles of geological heterogeneity, anisotropy, and permeability-saturation-pressure relationships in the effective sequestration of CO2 within deep saline aquifers. Understanding these factors is vital for optimizing carbon storage and mitigating climate change.

Analyzes heterogeneity's impact on CO2 storage efficiency.

Examines how permeability anisotropy affects CO2 migration and trapping.

Investigates permeability-saturation-pressure relationships during CO2 injection.

Highlights crucial geological factors for secure CO2 sequestration.

Contributes to understanding long-term CO2 storage in deep aquifers.

Relevant for global carbon capture and storage strategies.

The article, sourced from the ESS Open Archive, delves into the 'Relative Importance of Heterogeneity, Anisotropy, and Permeability-Saturation-Pressure Constitutive Relationships During the Sequestration of CO2 in Deep Saline Aquifers'. This research focuses on the complex geological factors that govern the successful and secure storage of carbon dioxide in deep underground saline formations. Heterogeneity, which refers to variations in rock properties such as porosity and permeability within an aquifer, significantly influences how CO2 plumes migrate and disperse. Anisotropy, the directional dependence of permeability (e.g., horizontal versus vertical flow), also plays a crucial role in controlling CO2 movement and trapping mechanisms, with studies indicating it can enhance dissolution and affect leakage potential. Furthermore, the paper likely explores the constitutive relationships between permeability, fluid saturation (CO2 and brine), and pressure, which are fundamental to accurately model fluid flow and predict the long-term fate of injected CO2. Understanding these interconnected geological characteristics is paramount for designing efficient CO2 injection strategies, predicting potential leakage pathways, and ensuring the long-term integrity of storage sites. Globally, carbon capture and storage (CCS) in deep saline aquifers is considered a vital technology for climate change mitigation, with countries like India actively assessing and developing their vast CO2 storage potential in such geological formations. This research, therefore, provides critical scientific groundwork essential for advancing global and national CCS initiatives.
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