Healing of microcracks in quartz: Implications for fluid flow

Research Article| February 01, 1990 Healing of microcracks in quartz: Implications for fluid flow Susan L. Brantley; Susan L. Brantley 1Department of Geosciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Brian Evans; Brian Evans 2Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Stephen H. Hickman; Stephen H. Hickman 2Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar David A. Crerar David A. Crerar 3Department of Geological and Geophysical Sciences, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Geology (1990) 18 (2): 136–139. https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1990)0182.3.CO;2 Article history first online: 02 Jun 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share MailTo Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation Susan L. Brantley, Brian Evans, Stephen H. Hickman, David A. Crerar; Healing of microcracks in quartz: Implications for fluid flow. Geology 1990;; 18 (2): 136–139. doi: https://doi.org/10.1130/0091-7613(1990)0182.3.CO;2 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyGeology Search Advanced Search Abstract Microcracks in quartz ∼ 100 μm in length and < ∼ 10 μm in width heal in 4h at 600 °C and water pressure of 200 MPa (fluid pressure Pf = confining pressure Pc). Healing is thermally activated; the activation energy is estimated to be between 80 and 35 kJ/mol, depending on the model assumed. Rates also show dependence on fluid pressure, chemistry, and crack dimensions. Faster healing rates are observed in smaller cracks. Thus, when new cracks are not being produced in rocks at elevated temperatures and pressures, fractures will have a vast range of lifetimes: macrofractures transport most of the fluid volume and seal relatively slowly, whereas microcracks allow pervasive penetration of fluid into the rock mass but heal quickly. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. First Page Preview Close Modal You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.