Fluid migration through the Earth’s crust is driven by pressure gradients and temperature changes, while being influenced by bio-physico-geochemical processes occurring in the subsurface. Groundwater, hydrothermal brines, hydrocarbons and various gases circulating in the subsurface interact with their surroundings and, under specific geological conditions, form a variety of structures when expelled at the surface (e.g.: geysers, hydrothermal vents, mud volcanoes and cold seeps). Elevated pore pressures in deep reservoirs make piercements ideal natural laboratories to capture precursors of seismic events and dynamically-triggered geological processes. In addition, fluid migration is becoming increasingly relevant to carbon storage, where the injected CO2 may interact with nearby producing oil fields and/or host rocks, or may further leak at legacy wells. Besides being a window to study the deep biosphere, the harsh environments at CO2- and CH4-dominated vents played a key role in the evolution of our planet and the cycles of life during several geological eras. In fact, similar structures on other planets could indicate the location of potential niches that could nurture extra-terrestrial life. Yet, the geochemical and geophysical processes associated with the evolution of these vertical fluid flow features and piercements remain poorly understood.
The aim of this session is to gather researchers focusing on under-explored structures and processes, using innovative tools to collect and interpret integrated datasets, and conducting numerical and laboratory simulations with state-of-the-art instruments and workflows. We welcome contributions that present new approaches for improving our understanding of fluid migration systems on Earth and other planets, ranging across: 1) different tectonic settings and parameters controlling subsurface processes and resulting morphologies; 2) geochemical reactions occurring at depth and the surface, including micro- and biological studies; 3) experimental/numerical simulations about fluid flow evolution and propagation; 4) studies showcasing piercement structures and novel data acquisition methods; 5) interaction of fluid flow in sedimentary basins with host rocks and decommissioned wells; and 6) impact of seepage on climate and evolution of life throughout Earth’s history. We particularly encourage abstract submissions from early-career researchers and scientists from groups that are underrepresented in the geosciences.