Density driven flow in anisotropic rocks
Density-driven flow caused by fluid density contrasts in saturated porous rocks plays a critical role in many geological applications, including mineral exploration, hydrogen or carbon storage, and the migration of brines or hydrocarbons. Yet, the influence of anisotropic permeability on density-driven flow, as is common in sedimentary basins, is generally overlooked. In our recent publication in Geology, https://doi.org/10.1130/G53888.1, we used a simple yet powerful analytical approach to uncover how even subtle sub-horizontal anisotropy in rocks can have a surprisingly large impact on density-driven flow. This insight challenges conventional assumptions and has important implications for exploration and subsurface fluid dynamics.
That study was presented at the AEGC 2025 in Perth (on the 9th of September 2025) and received the Best Talk Award for Innovative Application for Exploration.
