Injection & storage
Reservoir rock
In finding a storage location, geologists look at the porosity and permeability of the rock in the reservoir and around the reservoir. Porosity measures how much pore space is between the rock grains and permeability measures how well the pore spaces are connected by pathways.
Suitable rocks for storing carbon dioxide have good porosity and permeability, are at a depth of greater than 800m and are overlain by a sealing cap rock with low permeability.
Good storage rocks |
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| High porosity | High permeability | ||
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Porosity: a measure of how much pore space is between the rock grains. |  |
Permeability: a measure of how well the pore spaces are connected by pathways. |
| Seal rock above | Depth >800m | ||
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A sealing cap rock with low permeability. |  |
At a depth of greater than 800m |
