Scale-independent relationship between permeability and resistivity in
mated fractures with natural rough surfaces
- Kazuki Sawayama,
- Takuya Ishibashi,
- Fei Jiang,
- Takeshi Tsuji,
- Osamu Nishizawa,
- Yasuhiro Fujimitsu
Takuya Ishibashi
National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
Author ProfileAbstract
Geothermal systems consisting of fractures in impermeable rocks are
difficult to characterize by in situ methods. In an effort to link
characteristics of small-scale and large-scale fractures, this study
investigated possible relations between their geophysical parameters. We
upscaled the relationship between fracture permeability and formation
factor in a laboratory specimen to larger fracture dimensions.
Microscopic flow characteristics indicate that this relationship is
related to the tortuosity of flow paths. We derived an empirical formula
that directly predicts changes in fracture permeability from changes in
formation factor. This relation may make it possible to monitor
subsurface hydraulic activities through resistivity observations.