Hydrogeochemical and isotopic evidence for trans-formational flow in a sedimentary basin: Implications for CO2 storage

Deep saline aquifers are considered as the most promising option for geologic disposal of CO2. One of the main concerns, however, is the integrity of the caprocks between and above the storage formations. Here, a hydrogeochemical and isotopic investigation is presented, using ionic chemistry, stable isotopes (δ18O, δ2H and 87Sr/86Sr) and radiocarbon dating, on five saline aquifers on a regional scale, namely: Neogene Minghuazhen, Guantao, Ordivician, Cambrian and Precambrian, all found in the Bohai Bay Basin (BBB) in North China. Groundwater recharge, flow pattern, age and mixing processes in the saline aquifers show that the Neogene Guantao Formation (Ng) in the Jizhong and Huanghua Depressions on both of the west and east sides of the Cangxian Uplift is a prospective reservoir for CO2 sequestration, with a well confined regional seal above, which is the clayey layers in the Neogene Minghuazhen Formation (Nm). However, this is not the case in the Cangxian Uplift, where the Ng is missing where structural high and fault zones are developed, creating strong hydraulic connections and trans-formational flow to the Nm aquifer. Comparing storage capacity and long-term security between the various hydrogeologic units, the depressions are better candidate sites for CO2 sequestration in the BBB.