Stylolites complicate sound wave propagation in sedimentary rock samples, affecting lab-scale monitoring

Stylolites complicate sound wave propagation in sedimentary rock samples, affecting lab-scale monitoring

Stylolites—irregular seams that occur in limestone—have been found to affect how acoustic waves move through rock samples. Laboratory-based insights from KAUST researchers offer an improved understanding of how these features impact acoustic imaging techniques, which are used to analyze induced microseismic events during hydraulic fracturing.