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A Geo‐Structurally Based Correction Factor for Apparent Dissolution Rates in Fractured Media

Journal Article · · Geophysical Research Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL099513· OSTI ID:1881360
 [1];  [2];  [3];  [1];  [4];  [5];  [1]
  1. Los Alamos National Laboratory Computational Earth Science (EES‐16) Earth and Environmental Sciences Division Los Alamos NM USA
  2. Colorado School of Mines Hydrologic Science and Engineering Program Golden CO USA
  3. Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences University of Texas at El Paso El Paso TX USA
  4. Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Richland WA USA
  5. Earth and Environmental Sciences Division Los Alamos National Laboratory Earth System Observations (EES‐14) Los Alamos NM USA
Abstract

Field measurements of apparent geochemical weathering reaction rates in subsurface fractured porous media are known to deviate from laboratory measurements by multiple orders of magnitude. To date, there is no geologically based explanation for this discrepancy that can be used to predict reaction rates in field systems. Proposed correction factors are typically based on ad hoc characterizations related to geochemical kinetic models. Through a series of high‐fidelity reactive transport simulations of mineral dissolution within explicit 3D discrete fracture networks, we are able to link the geo‐structural attributes with reactive transport observations. We develop a correction factor to linear transition state theory for the prediction of the apparent dissolution rate based on measurable geological properties. The modified rate law shows excellent agreement with numerical simulations, indicating that geological structure could be a primary reason for the discrepancy between laboratory and field observations of apparent dissolution rates in fractured media.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
Grant/Contract Number:
89233218CNA000001; AC05-76RL01830; SC0018647
OSTI ID:
1881360
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1888575
OSTI ID: 1890021
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-175726; e2022GL099513
Journal Information:
Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 49; ISSN 0094-8276
Publisher:
American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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