Faults in convergent margin environments appear to be important conduits for the expulsion of fluids during sediment compaction. This process is important in controlling the alteration and physical properties of the sediment, and may be significant in determining the nature folding and deformation of sediment sequences. Little is known, however, about the permeability of sediments along and across individual fault zones. It is this permeability structure that ultimately controls fluid movement. The present project will examine variations in permeability before and after displacement along a fault. Specifically the project will use experimental and theoretical techniques to examine the change in hydrogeological properties of mud rich sediments in response to deformation and will evaluate the consequences this has for the dynamics of accreting sedimentary wedges. The principal investigator has a distinguished record in studies of these processes in the field. The present project will extend his work to the laboratory.
