View article

Fractures and faults are common structural elements of shallowly deformed rocks. They result from processes controlled by physical forces and/or chemical potentials and by the rheology of rocks. These elements might form at all stages of rock history, from early/burial diagenesis to major tectonic events, and play a fundamental role in fluid migration and accumulation within the upper crust. Fractures and faults hence are the focus of detailed studies conducted during exploration and production/storage of subsurface renewable and fossil energy, as well as for waste repositories assessment. In fact, defining the parameters that control fracturing and faulting in rocks is key for a better understanding of fluid–rock interactions, time-dependent stress evolution and present-day earthquake hazards. The dynamic feedbacks between fluid flow, permeability rise/fall, chemical reactions and rock failure, however, are difficult to …