Aaron Zeng L&S Math & Physical Sciences
Investigating Fracture Network Development in Serpentinized Systems
Serpentinization is a low-temperature hydration reaction in which water infiltrates rocks rich in ferromagnesian minerals (those containing iron and/or magnesium), causing chemical alterations and producing new materials including serpentinite, brucite, etc. This reaction can cause volumetric expansion of the host rock, generating internal stress and in turn creating fracture networks within these rocks. Although such systems are well studied in terms of analyzing fracture patterns and quantifying generated stress, little research has been done regarding the influence of reaction-induced stress (RIS) on fracture development in relation to other external stresses such as those caused by tectonic forces. As such, the focus of this project is to further study the relationship between RIS and other stresses to see whether one has more influence on fracture development than others. By segmenting CT scans of serpentinized cores, I will collect fracture orientation data and perform a statistical analysis using probability distributions to determine whether there is a preferred orientation, concluding what forces are most influential on fracture development based on varying ideal systems.
Message To Sponsor
I would like to thank my donor for supporting my research this summer. I am grateful for the opportunity to be able to deeply explore the mechanisms which influence fracture development in rock systems, and I hope to continue this investigation even beyond SURF, examining how such processes can be used for hydrogen production via byproduct capture. My ability to conduct this project this summer would not been possible without your help, so once again thank you so much for your generosity!