HYDRAULIC PROPERTIES OF FAULT ZONES OF THE NEAR-SURFACE PART OF THE EARTH’S CRUST – METHODS AND RESEARCH RESULTS. A REVIEW

Abstract

The article provides an overview of current information on the hydrogeological characteristics of fault zones. Various aspects of this problem are considered, from numerical methods for evaluating hydraulic properties and determining them by various methods to the evolution of these properties as a result of various processes. The characteristic permeability values for sections of fault zones located at different depths are given. The complexity of the structure of fault zones and the influence of the structural factor on the fluid dynamics of the upper part of the Earth’s crust are emphasized. The characteristic permeability values for fault zones range from 10^-11 to 10^-15 m², the average permeability values for the zone of influence and the crushing zone are 10^-13 and 10^-15 m², respectively. The tendency of decreasing permeability with depth and localization in rocks subjected to metamorphism is emphasized, the most and least permeable rocks by genesis are identified for various fault zones in the near-surface part of the Earth’s crust, the relationship between the permeability of the fault and its type is considered.