Fluids in deforming sediments

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the hydrogeological processes that occur in deforming sediments. Muds and sands are given particular attention because of their abundance, especially in many active tectonic environments. In these materials the deformation is predominantly accommodated by grain-boundary sliding (section 1.1.1), although brittle fracture becomes progressively more important with burial. Although the general nature of this chapter means that some aspects cannot be discussed in as much detail as they warrant, its purpose is to illustrate some of the main processes through which tectonic and hydrogeological systems are coupled. Emphasis is given to how both pore fluid pressure and permeability interplay with tectonic and hydrogeological processes in a variety of tectonic environments.