The PIs propose to conduct a series of experiments and microstructural measurements to understand the evolution of pore structure and permeability during hydrothermal compaction. The research will focus on studying the effect of triaxial stresses on the pore structure of calcite rocks that deform by plastic flow or by solution transfer processes. Compaction mechanisms and the effect of fluid chemistry on pore structure and transport properties will also be investigated. An important comparison will be made between experiments on aqueous systems and those done using argon, an essentially inert pore fluid. They will quantify the changes in pore size distribution and pore connectivity in relation to porosity decrease during densification using SEM and laser confocal microscopy.
