Skip to main content
Dryad

Unraveling the controls of rock permeability change during volatile-consuming reactions

Data files

Jan 15, 2025 version files 21.83 MB

Abstract

Decarbonization is essential in worldwide efforts to combat the ongoing decline of ecosystems. Transforming the carbon dioxide from atmosphere into carbonate minerals such as calcite and magnesite is recognized as the most effective strategy. These chemical reactions generally result in an increase in solid volume, which can lead to potential cracking. When cracking happens, it may accelerate the reaction by increasing the permeability of the rock. However, the factors that control permeability are not well understood. This research defines the dimensionless parameters that govern permeability in reactions that consume volatiles, focusing on how these parameters interact with the fracturing of mafic and ultramafic rock types. Initially, dimensionless control parameters are presented within the context of a one-dimensional model that integrates reactive transport and deformation. Subsequently, instead of using experiemental techaniques, a coupled pore network and discrete element solver is utilized to validate these parameters by replicating the trends in permeability changes observed in laboratory experiments. The dataset comprises measurements of porosity, changes in reaction extent, and pore pressure for the samples. It is divided into two categories: (1) averaged variables, representing the overall behavior of the sample, and (2) local variables, which capture the distribution of the parameters across different sections. Data are recorded at various time intervals for both the entire sample and individual sections, enabling a comprehensive analysis of temporal and spatial variations in the studied parameters. These results reconcile previously conflicting observations from field and laboratory studies, offering deeper understanding that could improve the effectiveness of subsurface carbon storage and other geologic processes.