An integrated permeability-depth model for Earth’s crust

Abstract

Permeability, which generally decreases with depth, is the most important parameter that controls fluid flow in Earth's crust. There are two categories of models that describe the permeability-depth relationship: one category forces permeability to approach infinity at the surface, and the other category leads to too much decrease in permeability with depth. Here, we present a new model that integrates and reconciles existing models thus allowing for complete description of crustal permeability from the surface and through the entire crust. Our model provides improved description of observed data and is applicable to both continental crust and oceanic crust. It can be used to obtain a better understanding of the role of fluids in crustal processes.