Fracture Network Modelling in a geological complex considered for carbon dioxide (CO2) injection in the offshore area of the Lusitanian Basin.

Abstract

The following thesis focuses on developing conceptual models of fracture networks to be used as analogues for a geological complex targeted for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in the offshore area of the Lusitanian Basin. This work presents a fracture interpretation and characterization, followed by a statistical analysis of the identified fractures, leading to the development of several fracture network scenarios. The main objective is to characterize and model fractures in the sealing formation and assess how these fracture networks could impact the feasibility of CO2 storage. The study's main data source is the 3D seismic volume of Cabo Mondego, which allowed the creation of comprehensive conceptual models, given the data limitations in the target area. Developing conceptual fracture network models provided an extensive characterization of the fractures within the study area by proposing different potential scenarios of their occurrence. The models derived from these scenarios allowed the visualization of possible fracture distributions, considering the main fracture characteristics, and offering a useful analogue for understanding their behavior in the target area. This thesis is aligned with the PilotStrategy project, which aims to improve the understanding of deep saline aquifers for CO2 storage across Europe. Integrating this work with the broader project by considering the fracture scenarios in the dynamic simulations, provides valuable insights into the dynamic behavior of the target area and the CO2 storage potential within the offshore Lusitanian Basin