The mechanics of clay smearing along faults

Abstract

Research Article| October 01, 2008 The mechanics of clay smearing along faults D.L. Egholm; D.L. Egholm 11Department of Earth Sciences, University of Aarhus, Nordre Ringgade 1, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar O.R. Clausen; O.R. Clausen 11Department of Earth Sciences, University of Aarhus, Nordre Ringgade 1, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar M. Sandiford; M. Sandiford 22School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar M.B. Kristensen; M.B. Kristensen 33Shell UK Exploration and Production, 1 Altens Farm Road, Nigg, Aberdeen, Grampian AB12 3FY, UK Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar J.A. Korstgård J.A. Korstgård 11Department of Earth Sciences, University of Aarhus, Nordre Ringgade 1, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information D.L. Egholm 11Department of Earth Sciences, University of Aarhus, Nordre Ringgade 1, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark O.R. Clausen 11Department of Earth Sciences, University of Aarhus, Nordre Ringgade 1, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark M. Sandiford 22School of Earth Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia M.B. Kristensen 33Shell UK Exploration and Production, 1 Altens Farm Road, Nigg, Aberdeen, Grampian AB12 3FY, UK J.A. Korstgård 11Department of Earth Sciences, University of Aarhus, Nordre Ringgade 1, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark Publisher: Geological Society of America Received: 20 Mar 2008 Revision Received: 12 Jun 2008 Accepted: 23 Jun 2008 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 1943-2682 Print ISSN: 0091-7613 © 2008 Geological Society of America Geology (2008) 36 (10): 787–790. https://doi.org/10.1130/G24975A.1 Article history Received: 20 Mar 2008 Revision Received: 12 Jun 2008 Accepted: 23 Jun 2008 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation D.L. Egholm, O.R. Clausen, M. Sandiford, M.B. Kristensen, J.A. Korstgård; The mechanics of clay smearing along faults. Geology 2008;; 36 (10): 787–790. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/G24975A.1 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract A clay- or shale-rich fault gouge can significantly reduce fault permeability. Therefore, predictions of the volume of clay or shale that may be smeared along a fault trace are important for estimating the fluid connectivity of groundwater and hydrocarbon reservoir systems. Here, we show how fault smears develop spontaneously in layered soil systems with varying friction coefficients, and we present a quantitative dynamic model for such behavior. The model is based on Mohr-Coulomb failure theory, and using discrete element computations, we demonstrate how the model framework can predict the fault smear potential from soil friction angles and layer thicknesses. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.