Fault zone processes can be studied directly by outcrop analysis or drill hole evidence. Where this is not possible, indirect evidence must be provided by geophysical data. Over a wide range of scales faulting causes segmentation into compartments and/or fault linkage resulting in fracture networks that may act as conduits or as a seal for any kind of fluid. These aspects require an analysis of location, orientation and length distribution of fault and fracture systems with a variety of geophysical methods. In addition to the imaging and structural characterization of fault zones themselves, their physical and hydraulic properties are of major importance.
To address these topics, this session aims to discuss (1) the imaging and interpretation of fault systems at all scales, (2) the capability of (combined) geophysical methods to provide a more detailed resolution of both structure and properties of faults, and (3) the impact of fault development (i.e. opening and sealing of structures) on porosity, fluid flow or other parameters of interest also for applied studies. Both natural data examples and lab studies from various disciplines may help to better understand processes acting in fault zones.