Characterizing basalt flow heterogeneities through outcrop analogue for potential carbon storage site

Abstract

One of the most recent approaches for achieving enduring and scalable storage of CO2 is geological sequestration. The carbon dioxide can then be stored in subsurface basalt in the form of secondary carbonates through mineral carbonation reactions, providing a safe storage solution with minimal risk of leakage. Before initiating any pilot project, it is crucial to thoroughly comprehend the three-dimensional subsurface architecture, encompassing both vertical and lateral heterogeneities of the storage site. The availability of data concerning the subsurface structure of Deccan basalt, including the proportion of massive versus porous segments in-flows, as well as the lateral and vertical facies heterogeneity, is restricted. Outcrop analogues offer a valuable chance to reduce uncertainties in the subsurface by examining architectural features, including vertical and lateral facies variations within flows. This study highlights the workflow and results of characterizing flow heterogeneities in the outcrop model, along with laboratory analysis. For the first time, the research demonstrated the application of drone-driven photogrammetry in a carbon storage project.