Contact zone permeability at intrusion boundaries: new results from hydraulic testing and geophysical logging in the Newark Rift Basin, New York, USA

Abstract

Hydraulic tests and geophysical logging performed in the Palisades sill and the underlying sedimentary rocks in the NE part of the Newark Rift Basin, New York, USA, confirm that the particular transmissive zones are localized within the dolerite-sedimentary rock contact zone and within a narrow interval below this contact zone that is characterized by the occurrence of small layers of chilled dolerite. Transmissivity values determined from fluid injection, aquifer testing, and flowmeter measurements generally fall in the range of 8.1E-08 to 9.95E-06 m 2 /s and correspond to various scales of investigation. The analysis of acoustic and optical BHTV images reveals two primary fracture sets within the dolerite and the sedimentary rocks-subhorizontal fractures, intersected by subvertical ones. Despite being highly fractured either with subhorizontal, subvertical or both fracture populations, the dolerite above and the sedimentary rocks below the contact zone and the zone with the layers of chilled dolerite are significantly less conductive. The distribution of the particular conductive intervals is not a function of the two dominant fracture populations or their density but rather of the intrusion path of the sill. The intrusion caused thermal fracturing and cracking of both formations, resulting in higher permeability along the contact zone. Malgré des zones très fracturées, caractérisées par l'une ou l'autre voir les deux lots de fractures, la conductivité hydraulique est assez faible. La distribution des intervalles particulièrement conductifs n'est pas une fonction des deux lots de fractures dominants, ou de leur densité, mais plutôt du taux de pénétration des couches. L'intrusion provoque la fracturation thermique des deux formations, induisant une conductivité hydraulique meilleure le long de la zone de contact. Résumé Des tests hydrauliques et des sondages géophysiques réalisés dans la formation Palisades et les ResumenPruebas hidráulicas y levantamientos geofísicos realizados en el manto interestratificado Palisades y las rocas sedimentarias subyacentes en la parte NE de la cuenca extensional Newark confirman que las zonas transmisivas particulares se localizan dentro de una zona de contacto dolerita-roca sedimentaria y dentro de un intervalo angosto por debajo de esta zona de contacto que se caracteriza por la ocurrencia de pequeñas capas de dolerita enfriada. Los valores de transmisividad determinados a partir de inyección de fluidos, pruebas de acuíferos, y estimaciones de mediciones de flujo generalmente caen en el rango de 8.1×10−8 y 9.95×10 −6 m 2 /s y corresponden a varias escalas de investigación. El análisis de imágenes BHTVópticas y acústicas revela dos conjuntos de fractura primarios dentro de la dolerita y las rocas sedimentarias: fracturas subhorizontales intersectadas por fracturas verticales. A pesar de encontrase altamente fracturadas ya sea con fracturas subverticals o subhorizontales o con ambas poblaciones de fracturas, la dolerita que se encuentra por encima, las rocas sedimentar...

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