3D fluid flow in mining scale fault zones

What is it about?

The statistical analyzes presented in this manuscript base on a unique dataset of over 1000 inflow measurements to drifts, shafts and boreholes situated in the Poehla-Tellerhaeuser Ore Field (Ore Mountains/Erzgebirge/Krušné hory) and a 3D geologic model consisting of the geometric properties of 131 mining scale fault zones (300 m to 30 km) and 14 tectono-stratigraphic units. The results provide novel insights into the fault zone hydrogeology of intensively faulted crystalline basements rocks and the 3D spatial distribution of hydraulic properties of mining scale fault zones in the uppermost 900 meters below ground surface. The analyses results in a novel dimensionless model for the distribution of flow within a dimensionless fault zone which is characterized by an exponential decrease of flow rates from the fault center towards the protolith.

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Why is it important?

Our contribution to the scientific research is of exceptional importance for the prediction of the hydrology of faulted rock mass in the underground. So far only theoretical single fault models (mainly basing on Caine et al. 1996) have been available.