CASP have published their first publications on CCS. Simon Passey has been involved in two papers investigating different areas volcanic rocks can aid with the secure storage of carbon dioxide.

The first paper integrates petrology, poro-perm, QXRD and MICP data to begin to understand the containment and reactivity of volcaniclastic rocks with injected CO₂. This research also has implications for potential CO₂ reservoirs partitioned by tuff intervals. Questions arising from this research plan to be addressed by The Impact of Volcaniclastic Rocks on CO₂ Storage Research Theme.

Photomicrograph of a mafic volcaniclastic sandstone dominated by devitrified volcanic glass.

Secondary minerals are dominated by zeolites (~33 vol.%) and smectite (~25 vol.%) and at leakage saturations could hold a carbon dioxide column height of ~147 m. Field of view is approximately 3125 µm wide.

The second paper was led by Maria Rosenqvist, a former recipient of CASP’s Andrew Whitham Fieldwork Award, and an international team of researchers, including Simon Passey. The research brought together field, photogrammetry, wellbore and petrography data collected from the Faroe Islands, and illustrate how an understanding of basalt lava flow architectures is necessary for the planning and appraisal of carbon capture and storage projects that utilise basalt reservoirs.

The two studies are published in the Geological Society of London Special Publication focused on The Impacts of Igneous Systems on Sedimentary Basins and their Energy Resources.

With the roll-out of CCS projects across the world, particularly in Southeast Asia, the importance of highly reactive volcaniclastics on CO₂ storage complexes will assume greater significance. CASP look forward to applying its expertise in volcanically affected basins in further joint industry partnerships.