Coupled evolution of seismicity and permeability in fault zones

Understanding the coupled evolution of fault friction and permeability is essential for assessing seismic risk, reservoir stability, and caprock integrity. Fault slip alters permeability by opening or sealing fluid pathways, linking frictional behavior to subsurface fluid transport. This review synthesizes findings from theoretical models, experiments, and numerical simulations to elucidate the seismicity-permeability coupling behavior of faults. Key factors influencing this coupling include fault mineralogy, roughness, and temperature, as well as geological settings and fluid injection strategies. Fault gouge plays a dominant role in controlling seismicity-permeability interactions in mature faults, while rough surfaces govern these behaviors in incipient faults. Scaling relationships derived from laboratory studies link frictional weakening to permeability changes, offering predictive tools for subsurface fault behavior. Understanding these processes provides critical insights into fault stability, seismic potential, and fluid transport and offers valuable guidance for managing induced seismicity and optimizing subsurface activities.