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Satellite-based measurements of surface deformation reveal fluid flow associated with the geological storage of carbon dioxide

Journal Article · · Geophysical Research Letters
OSTI ID:982835

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), gathered over the In Salah CO{sub 2} storage project in Algeria, provides an early indication that satellite-based geodetic methods can be effective in monitoring the geological storage of carbon dioxide. An injected volume of 3 million tons of carbon dioxide, from one of the first large-scale carbon sequestration efforts, produces a measurable surface displacement of approximately 5 mm/year. Using geophysical inverse techniques we are able to infer flow within the reservoir layer and within a seismically detected fracture/ fault zone intersecting the reservoir. We find that, if we use the best available elastic Earth model, the fluid flow need only occur in the vicinity of the reservoir layer. However, flow associated with the injection of the carbon dioxide does appear to extend several kilometers laterally within the reservoir, following the fracture/fault zone.

Research Organization:
Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
Earth Sciences Division
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-05CH11231
OSTI ID:
982835
Report Number(s):
LBNL-3018E
Journal Information:
Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters; ISSN GPRLAJ; ISSN 0094-8276
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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