Contacts: evans@geophy.curtin.edu.au (Brian J. Evans)
This case history shows that by understanding the basic rock physics and interaction of CO2 with the associated PT relationships, mineralisation and seal status, seismic methods can be successfully used to both track the CO2 as it moves, and observe how such movement can cause other events such as intra-bed fracturing. In this case history using data from Sleipner in the North Sea, the front of the CO2 plume is observed through the use of specialised seismic attribute analysis, as excess carbonates are chemically developed as a halo around the plume. The carbonates allow the sealing of the rock matrix while the CO2 pressure causes dissolution of the rock matrix.
The result is a dynamic process and this paper points to a future seismic methodology for tracking CO2 migration within any reservoir.