Surface and
Subsurface Characterization of a Carbon Sequestration Pilot Site: San Juan
Basin, NM
Henthorn, Brian1, Tom Wilson1,
Art Wells2 (1) West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV (2) National Energy
Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA
Successful sequestration of CO2 requires
that the majority of injected CO2 remain underground for hundreds to thousands
of years. Evaluation of site integrity is important in the design and
implementation stages of the sequestration effort. This study presents some of
the background evaluation undertaken of a Fruitland coal pilot sequestration
site located in the San Juan basin. The study
includes comparison of fracture traces measured in the field and in high
resolution QuickBird satellite imagery, along with multi-frequency terrain
conductivity surveys and subsurface maps of the surrounding area.
Prominent fracture systems are exposed
along the edges of mesas formed in the nearly flat-lying Eocene age San Jose Formation. Fracture
trend varies considerably, however, rose diagrams reveal two prominent fracture
sets: one trending ~N30E and the other ~N45W. Analysis of the QuickBird image
reveals similar variability along with two prominent sets: one trending N35E
and another smaller set trending N50W. Previous studies in the area suggest
that the face cleat orientation and direction of preferential flow during CO2
injection will follow this NE trend. The site lies in the "High Rate
Fairway" near a structural low in the Fruitland Formation. Subsurface maps
will help determine whether smaller scale folds and faults similar to those
observed to the northwest in the Cedar Hill area exist. If present, they may
exert additional control on CO2 flow patterns and serve as potential avenues
for CO2 escape. The study will help National Energy Technology Laboratory scientists
position tracer and soil monitors at the site.
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