Project Details
Quantifying the interaction of seismicity and gas transport in fractured hard rock at earthquake focal depth (DAFGAS-II)
Applicant
Professor Dr. Jörg Erzinger
Subject Area
Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
Term
from 2012 to 2015
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 216428757
The direct observation of gas transport in fractured hard rock and the seismic signal recording performed at 3.54 km depth, TauTona gold mine, South Africa, are the basic results of our recently completed ICDP-project DAFGAS, conducted in the framework of the international NELSAM-DAFSAM project, Natural Earthquake Laboratory in South African Mines - Drilling Active Faults in South African Mine. The significant variations of certain geogases and the local seismic signal attested the blasting triggered geogas transport through fractured hard rock. But lacking isochronal geogas and seismic data prevented the explicit cross-correlation data analysis. The aim of this current project is the collection of contemporaneous geogas and seismic data as basis prerequisite for the further understanding of the interrelation between fluid flow and seismicity at earthquake focal depth. With our existing sensor based gas monitoring system, four reactivated seismometers, and support from the seismic surveillance team of the TauTona mine and from students from the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, SA, we are confident of reaching this aim.
DFG Programme
Infrastructure Priority Programmes
Participating Person
Dr. Johanna Lippmann-Pipke