CO₂ Sequestration in Basalt: Carbonate Mineralization and Fluid Substitution

Thomas L. Otheim, Boise State University
Ludmila Adam, Boise State University
Kasper van Wijk, Boise State University
Michael L. Batzle, Colorado School of Mines
Travis McLing, Idaho National Laboratory
Robert Podgorney, Idaho National Laboratory

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This document was originally published by Society of Exploration Geophysicists in The Leading Edge. Copyright restrictions may apply. DOI: 10.1190/1.3672479

Abstract

Geological sequestration of carbon dioxide in deep reservoirs may provide a large-scale option for reducing the emissions of this gas into the atmosphere. The effectiveness of sequestration depends on the storage capacity and stability of the reservoir and risk of leakage into the overburden. Reservoir rocks can react with a CO₂-water mixture, potentially resulting in the precipitation of minerals in the available matrix pore space and within pre-existing fractures. This induced mineralization may form internal seals that could help mitigate the leakage of CO₂ into the overburden. For basaltic host rocks, carbonic acid partially dissolves minerals in the host rock, such as the calcium plagioclase mineral, freeing various cations (e.g., Ca²+ and Mg²+) for later precipitation as carbonate cements (Gislason et al., 2010).