Fluid flow in discrete joint sets: Field observations and numerical simulations

The distribution of flow within conductive joint sets is influenced by the geometric arrangement of joints and the hydraulic properties of both joints and matrix. We use finite element simulations with an equivalent porous media joint representation to understand the distribution of flow through joints and porous matrix. Isolated joints in a porous media create characteristic flow perturbations in the matrix with reduced fluid potentials near the upstream joint tip, elevated potentials near the downstream tip, and flow shadows adjacent to the joint. In more complex joint systems, flow in any given joint is influenced by its proximity to other joints, resulting in characteristic enhancement or reduction of flow velocities. The permeability ratio (equivalent joint permeability divided by matrix permeability) plays a major role in determining the distribution of flow within complex joint systems. When the permeability ratio is <3.0 orders of magnitude, all joints are indirectly connected to the flow system through the matrix. As joint conductivity increases, flow becomes increasingly localized into directly connected joints. When the permeability ratio exceeds 6.5 orders of magnitude, significant flow occurs only in the directly connected joints. We compare these numerical results with field observations from an ancient reactive flow system now exposed at the Earth's surface. In the field, 32% of joints are associated with chemically altered halos. By explicitly representing mapped joint distributions in numerical simulations, we estimate that 32% of the joints would conduct significant volumes of fluid if joint permeability is 5 orders of magnitude greater than the matrix permeability. This corresponds to an in situ joint aperture of 2.3 mm, closely resembling the 1.8‐mm average joint aperture measured on the present‐day outcrop.