SpringerLink
Log in

Real-time hydrogen mud logging during the Wenchuan earthquake fault scientific drilling project (WFSD), holes 2 and 3 in SW China

  • Article
  • Published:
Geosciences Journal Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We present hydrogen gas concentration data for drilling mud extracted during the Wenchuan Earthquake Fault Scientific Drilling (WFSD; holes 2 and 3), measured on-line during drilling in SW China. Hydrogen influx into the well at depth is largely dependent on lithology and fracture density. In hole WFSD-2, the average background concentration of hydrogen is lower in granitic rocks than in sedimentary formations. More than five major hydrogen influxes were detected while drilling through the sedimentary formations, and two hydrogen-rich zones were detected in the granite (1240–1243 m and 1383.5–1405 m depth). In hole WFSD-3, mud extracted from a tectonic breccia contains high hydrogen concentrations at depths of 600–1000 m depth, and relatively low concentrations below 1000 m depth. In both holes, we observe a lack of hydrogen in the center of the fault zone and high concentrations of hydrogen in fractured zones. Hydrogen concentration in both holes displays significant vertical heterogeneity, and is positively correlated with fracture density. Hydrogen was likely sourced from interaction between water and fresh silicate minerals surfaces that were exposed during faulting, from the mantle, and from faulting events. Fracture zones provide the main channels for the migration of hydrogen gas. The variations in background hydrogen concentrations relate to changes in porosity and permeability. The two hydrogen-rich zones (642.36–676.22 m, and 1383.5–1405 m) were likely caused by earthquake activity or far-field triggering during WFSD-2 drilling. The results of this study provide gas data that can be used to model fault activity. It is important to consider the relationship between hydrogen gas and the seismic cycle, and to use such data to identify seismic precursors.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Subscribe and save

Springer+ Basic
EUR 32.99 /Month
  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or Ebook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime
Subscribe now

Buy Now

Price includes VAT (Germany)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Aquilina, L. and Brach, M., 1995, Characterization of Soultz hydrochemical system: WELCOM (well chemical on-line monitoring) applied to deepening of GPK-1 borehole. Geothermal Science & Technology, 4, 239–251.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aquilina, L., Baubron, J.C., Defoix, D., Dégranges, P., Disnar, J.R., Marty, B., and Robé, M.C., 1998, Characterization of gases in sedimentary formations through monitoring during drilling and core leaching (Balazuc borehole, Deep Geology of France Programme). Applied Geochemistry, 13, 673–686.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Arai, T., Okusawa, T., and Tsukahara, H., 2001, Behaviour of gases in the Noijma Fault Zone revealed from chemical composition and carbon isotope ratio of gases extracted from DPRI 1800 m drill core. Island Arc, 10, 430–438.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anderson, R.T., Chapelle, F.H., and Lovley, D.R., 1998, Evidence against hydrogen-based microbial ecosystems in basalt aquifers. Science, 281, 976–977.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bell, D.R. and Rossman, G.R., 1992, Water in Earth’s mantle: the role of nominally anhydrous minerals. Science, 255, 1391–1397.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bjornstad, B.N., Mckinley, J.P., Stevens, T.O., Rawson, S.A., Fredrickson, J.K., and Long, P.E., 2009, Generation of hydrogen gas as a result of drilling within the saturated zone. Ground Water Monitoring & Remediation, 14, 140–147.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Boness, N.L. and Zoback, M.D., 2004, Stress-induced seismic velocity anisotropy and physical properties in the SAFOD Pilot Hole in Parkfield, CA. Geophysical Research Letters, 31, 101–111.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burchfiel, B.C., Chen, Z., and Liu, Y., 1995, Tectonics of the Longmen Shan and Adjacent Regions, Central China. International Geology Review, 37, 661–735.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiodini, G., Cardellini, C., Amato, A., Boschi, E., Caliro, S., Frondini, F., and Ventura, G., 2004, Carbon dioxide Earth degassing and seismogenesis in central and southerm Italy. Geophysical Research Letters, 31, 324–325.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Densmore, A.L., Ellis, M.A., Li, Y., Zhou, R., Hancock, G.S., and Richardson, N., 2007, Active tectonics of the Beichuan and Pengguan faults at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Tectonics, 26, 171–178.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Deng, Q.D., Chen, S.F., and Zhao, X.L., 1994, Tectonics, seismicity and dynamics of the Longmen Shan Mountains and its adjacent regions. Seismology & Geology, 16, 389–403. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Du, J.G. and Kang, C.L., 2000, Characteristics of earthquake precursors and its geological significance. Earthquake, 20, 95–101. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Erzinger, J., Wiersberg, T., and Dahms, E., 2004, Real-time mud gas logging during drilling of the SAFOD pilot Hole in Parkfield, CA. Geophysical Research Letters, 311,289–302.

    Google Scholar 

  • Erzinger, J., Wiersberg, T., and Zimmer, M., 2006, Real-time mud gas logging and sampling during drilling. Geofluids, 6, 225–233.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fang, Z., Liu, Y.W., Yang, X.H., Yang, D.X., and Zhang, L., 2012, Advance in the research on the source and migration mechanisms of gas in the seismic fault zone. Progress in Geophysics, 27, 483–495. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Faulkner, D.R. and Rutter, E.H., 2001, Can the maintenance of over pressured fluids in large strike-slip fault zones explain their apparent weakness? Geology, 29, 503–506.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Firstov, P.P., 1999, Monitoring of the volume activity of subsurface radon (Rn-222) on Paratunka hydrothermal system in 1997–1998 to search for precursors of strong earthquakes of Kamchatka. Volcanology and Seismology, 6, 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Freund, F.J., Dickinson, J.T., and Cash, M., 2002, Hydrogen in rocks: an energy source for deep microbial communities. Astrobiology, 2, 83–92.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giggenbach, W.F., Sano, Y., and Wakita, H., 1993, Isotopic composition of helium, and CO2 and CH4 contents in gases produced along the New Zealand part of a convergent plate boundary. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 57, 3427–3455.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • GÜlec, N., Hilton, D.R., and Mutlu, H., 2002, Helium isotope variations in Turkey: relationships on tectonics, volcanism and recent seismic activities. Chemical Geology, 187, 129–142.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gong, Z., Li, H.B., Tang, L.J., Lao, C.L., Zhang, L., and Li, L., 2017, Real time drilling mud gas response to small–moderate earthquakes in Wenchuan earthquake Scientific Drilling Hole-1 in SW China. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 138, 416–426.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horita, J. and Berndt, M.E., 1999, Abiogenic methane formation and isotopic fractionation under hydrothermal conditions. Science, 285, 1055–1057.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Horita, J., 2001, Carbon isotope exchange in the system CO2-CH4 at elevated temperatures. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 65, 1907–1919.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hickman, S., Sibson, R., and Bruhn, R., 1995, Introduction to a special section: mechanical involvement of fluids in faulting. Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres, 1001, 12831–12840.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hilton, D.R. and Craig, H., 1989, The Silijan Deep Well: helium isotope results. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 53, 3311–3316.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ishikawa, T., Matsuoka, J., Mori, J.J., Chester, F.M., Eguchi, N., and Toczko, S., 2013, Geochemical characteristics of core samples from IODP expedition 343, Japan Trench Fast Drilling Project (JFAST). American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting (Abstract), San Francisco, Dec. 9–13, p. T41F–05.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ito, T., Nagamine, K., Yamamoto, K., Adachi, M., and Kawabe, I., 1999, Preseismic hydrogen gas anomalies caused by stress-corrosion process preceding earthquakes. Geophysial Research Letters, 26, 2009–2012.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kennedy, B.M. and Kharaka, Y.H., 1997, Mantle fluids in the San Andreas Fault system, California. Science, 278, 1278–1281.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • King, C.Y., 1986, Gas geochemistry applied to earthquake prediction: an overview. Journal of Geophysical Research, 91, 12269–12281.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kita, I., Matsuo, S., Wakita, H., and Nakamura, Y., 1980, D/H ratios of H2 in soil gases as an indicator of fault movements. Geochemical Journal, 14, 317–320.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kulongoski, J.T., Hilton, D.R., and Izbicki, J.A., 2003, Helium isotope studies in the Mojave Desert, California: implications for groundwater chronology and regional seismicity. Chemical Geology, 202, 95–113.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kulongoski, J.T., Hilton, D.R., and Izbicki, J.A., 2005, Source and movement of helium in the eastern Morongo groundwater Basin: the influence of regional tectonics on crustal and mantle helium fluxes. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 69, 3857–3872.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewicki, J.L., Evans, W.C., Hilley, G.E., Sorey, M.L., Rogie, J.D., and Brantley, S.L., 2003, Shallow soil CO2 flow along the San Andreas and Calaveras Faults, Califormia. Journal of Geophysical Research Atmospheres, 108, 237–241.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, H.B., Wang, H., Xu, Z.Q., Si, J.L., Pei, J.L., Li, T.F., Huang, Y., Song, S.R., Kuo, L.W., Sun, Z,M., Chevalier, M.L., and Liu, D.L., 2012, Characteristics of the fault-related rocks, fault zones and the principal slip zone in the Wenchuan Earthquake Fault Scientific Drilling project Hole-1 (WFSD-1). Tectonophysics, 584, 23–42. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, H.B., Wang, H., Yang, G., Xu, Z.Q., Li, T.F., Si, J.L., Sun, Z.M., Huang, Yao., Chevalier, M.L., Zhang, W.J., and Zhang, J.J., 2015, Lithological and structural characterization of the Longmen Shan fault belt the 3rd hole of the Wenchuan Earthquake Fault Scientific Drilling project (WFSD-3). International Journal of Earth Sciences, 105, 1–20.

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, S.Q., Sun, Q., Luo, L.Q., and Zhan, X.C., 2006a, Relationship between earthquakes and the gas geochemical anomalies in the 0~2000 m mud of Chinese Continental Scientific Drilling hole. Acta Petrologica Sinica, 22, 2095–2102. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, Y., Zhou, R.J., Densmore, A.L., and Ellis, M.A., 2006b, Geomorphic evidence for the late Cenozoic strike-slip** and thrusting in Longmen Mountain at the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Quaternary Sciences, 26, 40–51. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lippmann, J., Erzinger, J., Zimmer, M., Schloemer, S., Eichinger, L., and Faber, E., 2005, On the geochemistry of gases and noble gas istopes (including 222Rn) in deep crustal fluids: the 4000 m KTB-pilot hole fluid production test 2002-03. Geofluids, 5, 52–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lu, H.F., Jia, D., Wang, L.S., and Wang, S.L., 2008, On the triggering mechanics of Wenchuan earthquake. Geological Journal of China Universities, 14, 133–138. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Luo, L.Q., Wang, J., Li, S., Zhang, Y.Q., Zhang, B.K., Li, Y.C., Tang, L.J., and Zhan, X.C., 2004, On-line analysis of gases in Chinese continental science drilling project and identification of fluids from the earth crust. Rock and Mineral Analysis, 23, 81–86. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • MÖller, P., Weuse, S.M., and Althaus, E., 1997, Paleofluids and recent fluids in the upper continental crust: results from the German Continental Deep Drilling program (KTB). Journal of Geophysical Research, 102, 18233–18254.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saruwatari, K., Kamed, J., and Tanaka, H., 2004, Generation of hydrogen ions and hydrogen gas in quartz-water crushing experiments: an example of chemical processes in active faults. Physics & Chemistry of Minerals, 31, 176–182.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sato, M., Sutton, A.J., and McGee, K.A., 1984, Anomalous hydrogen emission from the San Andreas fault observed at the Cienega Winery, Central California. Pure & Applied Geophysics, 122, 376–391.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shangguan, Z.G., 1995, A study on deep-seated CO2 discharge for earthquake prediction. Seismology and Geology, 17, 214–217. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sherwood, L.B., Frape, S.K., Weise, S.M., Fritz, P., Macko, S.A., and Welhan, J.A., 1993, Abiogenic methanogenesis in crystalline rocks. Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, 57, 5087–5097.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sherwood, L.B., Westgate, T.D., Ward, J.A., Slater, G.F., and Lacrampe, C.G., 2002, Abiogenic formation of alkanes in the Earth’s crust as a minor source for global hydrocarbon reservoirs. Nature, 416, 522–524.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sleep, N.H., Meiborm, A., Coleman, R.G., and Bird, D.K., 2004, H2-rich fluids from serpentinization: geochemical and biotic implications. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 101, 12818–12823.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sugisaki, R., Anno, H., Adachi, M., and Ui, H., 1980, Geochemical features of gases and rocks along active fault. Geochemical Journal, 14, 101–112.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sugisaki, R. and Mizutani, Y., 1983, Origin of hydrogen and carbon dioxide in fault gases and its relation to fault activity. Journal of Geology, 91, 239–258.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sugisaki, R., 1984, Relation between hydrogen emission and seismic activities. Pure and Applied Geophysics, 122,175–184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun, Q., Li, S.Q., Luo, L.Q., and Zhan, X.C., 2005, The gas anomalies in the CCSD borehole associated with two distant strong earthquakes: the 2001 West Pass of Kunlun Mountains earthquake (Ms 8.1) and the 2004 Sumatra-Andeman earthquake (Mw 9.3). Acta Petrologica Sinica, 21, 1501–1507. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun, X.L., Shao, Z.G., Si, X.Y., Si, X.Y., and Liu, D.Y., 2016, Soil hydrogen concentration in fault zone: analysis of corresponding influence factors, 37, 436–440. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sun, X.L., Si, X.Y., Si, X.Y., and Liu, D.Y., 2017, Soil mercury spatial variations in the fault zone and corresponding influence factors, 28, 286–294.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, W. and JÖrg, E., 2008, Origin and spatial distribution of gas at seismogenic depths of the San Andreas Fault from drill-mud gas analysis. Applied Geochemistry, 23, 1675–1690.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wakita, H., Nakamura, K., Kita, I., Fujii, N., and Notsu, K., 1980, Hydrogen release: new indicator of fault activity. Science, 210, 188–190.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, E.Q., Meng, Q.R., Chen, Z.L., and Chen, L.Z., 2001, Early Mesozoic left-lateral movement along the Longmen Shan fault belt and its tectonic implications. Earth Science Frontiers, 8, 375–384. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wang, E.C. and Meng, Q.R., 2009, Mesozoic and Cenozoic tectonic evolution of the Longmenshan fault belt. Science in China Series D: Earth Sciences, 52, 579–592.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, W.M., Zhao, L.F., Li, J., and Yao, Z.X., 2008, Rupture process of the Ms 8.0 Wenchuan earthquake of Sichuan, China. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 51, 1403–1410. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wiersberg, T. and Erzinger, J., 2007, A helium isotope cross-section study through the San Andreas Fault at seismogenic depths. Geochemistry Geophysics Geosystems, 8, 291–296.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wiersberg, T. and Erzinger, J., 2008, Origin and spatial distribution of gas at seismogenic depths of the San Andeas Fault from drill-mud gas analysis. Applied Geochemistry, 23, 1675–1690.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Whiticar, M.J., 1999, Carbon and hydrogen isotope systematics of bacterial formation and oxidation of methane. Chemical Geology, 161, 291–314.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, Y.C., Shen, P., Liu, W.H., and Tao, M.X., 1996, Volatile natural gas geochemistry of mantle-derived in eastern Oil and Gas area–III. Volatile in the mantle helium, argon and carbon compounds. Science in China (Series D), 26, 187–192. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yang, G., Li, H.B., Zhang, W., Liu, D.L., Si, J.L., Wang, H., Huang, Y., and Li, Y., 2012, Features of the Anxian–Guanxian fault zone in Longmenshan area of Sichuan Province: A case study of No. 3 hole of Wenchuan Earthquake Fault Zone Scientific Drilling (WFSD-3). Geological Bulletin of China, 31, 1219–1232. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, X.C., Luo, L.Q., Li, Y.C., Tang, L.J., and Li, D., 2005, Gas abnormalities in the 4820–4930 m interval of the CCSD main hole and their preliminary interpretation. Geology in China, 32, 320–329. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, P.Z., Xu, X.W., Wen, X.Z., and Ran, Y.K., 2008, Slip rates and recurrence intervals of the Longmen Shan active fault zone, and tectonic implications for the mechanism of the May 15 Wenchuan earthquake, 2008, Sichuan, China. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 51, 1066–1073. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, W., Li, H.B., Huang, Y., Si, J.L., Liu, D.L., Li, Y., Wang, H., Yang, G., and Sun, L.W., 2012, Lithologic characteristic and fault zone structure revealed by No. 2 hole cores of the Wenchuan Earthquake Fault Zone Scientific Drilling (WFSD-2). Geological Bulletin of China, 31, 1201–1218. (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, M.F., Yan, D.P., Wang, C.L., Qi, L., and Kennedy, A., 2006, Subduction-related origin of the 750 Ma Xuelongbao adakitic complex (Sichuan Province, China): implications for the tectonic setting of the giant Neoproterozoic magmatic event in South China. Earth and Planetary Science Letters, 248, 286–300.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Crustal Dynamics, Institute of Crustal Dynamics, China Earthquake Administration, Anningzhuang Road No.1, **sanqi Street, Haidian District, Bei**g, 100085, China

    Zhen Fang, Yaowei Liu, Duoxing Yang, Lishuang Guo & Lei Zhang

  2. Anhui Earthquake Administration, Changjiang West Road No.558, Hefei, 230031, China

    Zhen Fang

  3. Mengcheng National Geophysical Observatory, **aojian Town, Mengcheng, 233500, China

    Zhen Fang

Authors
  1. Zhen Fang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Yaowei Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Duoxing Yang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Lishuang Guo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Lei Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yaowei Liu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Fang, Z., Liu, Y., Yang, D. et al. Real-time hydrogen mud logging during the Wenchuan earthquake fault scientific drilling project (WFSD), holes 2 and 3 in SW China. Geosci J 22, 453–464 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-017-0068-7

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12303-017-0068-7

Key words

Search

Navigation