Escape of CO2 from aquifers

Abstract Many large aquifers consist of wide structures only confined by a horizontal cap rock with no distinct traps. By numerical simulations the distribution of injected CO 2 into this type of aquifers has been analysed. The results show that the distribution of CO 2 is controlled by gravity forces and the horizontal permeability just below the cap rock. The escape rate through a possible open periphery or fractures 8000 m from an injection well was simulated. Some of the injected CO 2 will escape from a high permeable aquifer, but the long residence times showed that an effective storage will still be provided in a strategy to combat accumulation of atmospheric CO 2 .