Inversion in the permeability evolution of deforming Westerly granite near the brittle–ductile transition

Abstract

Fluid flow through crustal rocks is controlled by permeability. Underground fluid flow is crucial in many geotechnical endeavors, such as CO₂ sequestration, geothermal energy, and oil and gas recovery. Pervasive fluid flow and pore fluid pressure control the strength of a rock and affect seismicity in tectonic and geotechnical settings. Despite its relevance, the evolution of permeability with changing temperature and during deformation remains elusive. In this study, the permeability of Westerly granite at an effective pressure of 100 MPa was measured under conditions near its brittle–ductile transition, between 650 °C and 850 °C, with a strain rate on the order of 2·10^–6 s⁻¹. To capture the evolution of permeability with increasing axial strain, the samples were continuously deformed in a Paterson gas-medium triaxial apparatus. The microstructures of the rock were studied after testing. The experiments reveal an inversion in the permeability evolution: an initial decrease in permeability due to compaction and then an increase in permeability shortly before and immediately after failure. The increase in permeability after failure, also present at high temperatures, is attributed to the creation of interconnected fluid pathways along the induced fractures. This systematic increase demonstrates the subordinate role that temperature dilatancy plays in permeability control compared to stress and its related deformation. These new experimental results thus demonstrate that permeability enhancement under brittle–ductile conditions unveils the potential for EGS exploitation in high-temperature rocks.