A three dimensional representation of the fracture network of a CO2 reservoir analogue (Latera Caldera, Central Italy)

The Caldera of Latera (western central Italy) is characterized by a high geothermal gradient and continuous production of CO2 that migrates to the surface along faults and fractures. Because of these characteristics, the area can be considered a natural, exposed analogue of a CO2 reservoir. We investigated the spatial and dimensional properties of fracture and discontinuities (pressure solutions, joints, veins, slip surfaces, etc.) of the outcrop in an abandoned quarry within the caldera boundary. Spatial data were collected using several sampling windows of appropriate dimension on adjacent rock faces of different, and where possible, orthogonal orientation. The interpreted fractures from a 3.5 × 3 × 2.5 m zone were incorporated into a CAD to create a three dimensional fracture network. The aim is to build a three dimensional representation of the fracture system that could be used to model the flow of CO2. © 2010, European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers