Nonlinear dynamical aspects of deep basin hydrology: fluid compartment formation and episodic fluid release

Abstract

The coupling between fluid mass conservation, time-dependent compaction, water-rock reaction, and natural hydrofracturing is explored in the context of fluid compartment genesis and preservation during sediment burial. Focus is placed upon examining the complexity associated with this coupling between hydrological, geochemical, and structural factors associated with sedimentary basin development. A natural consequence of at least the early stages of compartment evolution is found to be the episodic (and possibly chaotic) release of fluid to shallow portions of the basin. -from Authors