Publication

Energy Balance of Fluid-driven Frictional Rupture in Fractured Rocks

2026

Abstract

Fluid pressurisation at depth can reactivate pre-existing fractures and faults by triggering frictional slip that ranges from slow (aseismic) slip to dynamic rupture. These can occur in response to either anthropogenic fluid injection (e.g. hydraulic stimulation) or via natural occurrences (e.g. serpentine dehydration). Hydraulic stimulation, widely used in geo-energy applications, enhances rock permeability by reactivating fractures using pressurized fluid injection. Recent studies have made significant

Official source

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2026

Abstract

Official source

Related concepts (25)

Fracture (geology)

A fracture is any separation in a geologic formation, such as a joint or a fault that divides the rock into two or more pieces. A fracture will sometimes form a deep fissure or crevice in the rock. Fractures are commonly caused by stress exceeding the rock strength, causing the rock to lose cohesion along its weakest plane. Fractures can provide permeability for fluid movement, such as water or hydrocarbons. Highly fractured rocks can make good aquifers or hydrocarbon reservoirs, since they may possess both significant permeability and fracture porosity.

Fracking

Fracking (also known as hydraulic fracturing, fracing, hydrofracturing, or hydrofracking) is a well stimulation technique involving the fracturing of bedrock formations by a pressurized liquid. The process involves the high-pressure injection of "fracking fluid" (primarily water, containing sand or other proppants suspended with the aid of thickening agents) into a wellbore to create cracks in the deep-rock formations through which natural gas, petroleum, and brine will flow more freely.

Enhanced geothermal system

An enhanced geothermal system (EGS) generates geothermal electricity without natural convective hydrothermal resources. Traditionally, geothermal power systems operated only where naturally occurring heat, water, and rock permeability are sufficient to allow energy extraction. However, most geothermal energy within reach of conventional techniques is in dry and impermeable rock. EGS technologies expand the availability of geothermal resources through stimulation methods, such as 'hydraulic stimulation'.

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Energy Balance of Fluid-driven Frictional Rupture in Fractured Rocks

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