Cement Deposits in Opening-Mode Fractures in Sandstone: Implications for Size, Spacing, Connectivity, and Erosion

Abstract

In the case of opening-mode fractures in sandstone that formed or resided at depth in diagenetic conditions (ca. 50 to 200 ℃) a chemical perspective helps guide characterization of open fracture size, spatial arraignment, and connectivity. Partial quartz fill and microfractures create weakness susceptible to reactivation and may impart strength anisotropy. Studies that account for both chemical and mechanical processes have great potential to solve challenging practical problems in subsurface science and to help interpret outcrop fracture patterns.