![desert rose desert rose](https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/desert-rose.jpg)
There is a mineral that is formed by a process that has some resemblance to hydraulic fracturing: the desert rose, see Figure 1. Hence, the theoretical tools are in place to analyze fracture networks, but real fracture systems to test these tools on do not exist.
![desert rose desert rose](https://worldofsucculents.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Echeveria-strictiflora-Desert-Savior.jpg)
, it is, however, possible to analyze fracture networks within modern graph theory. By transforming the fracture network into an equivalent graph where the fractures are the nodes and their intersections are the links between them as described in Andresen et al. For example, is it a branched structure where the fractures are like leaves or is it a structure consisting of intersecting fracture planes? One important reason for this lack of knowledge is that no technique exists, acoustic or electromagnetic, that can visualize the fractures in situ.Īs fracture networks consist of intersecting fracture sheets, modern graph theory as it has been developed over the last years,, is not directly applicable. As with fracture systems in reservoirs, the geometry and topology of fracture networks that are created is essentially unknown. Surprisingly little is known about the hydraulic fracturing process. As the chemicals used in the hydraulic fracturing are toxic, this poses a problem together with methane seepage.
![desert rose desert rose](https://i5.walmartimages.com/asr/e1366c66-d91b-4b1c-a48d-2a045b802b08_1.39356ff658551c4a12f8aaa9ae30aff7.jpeg)
The hydraulic fracturing may as a result of this proximity produce fractures that open up for fluid transport into them. Fracking, as it is known, is also a highly controversial technique as the shales that are fractured often are close to aquifers. This process has become so important that it has large impact on the world economy. Hydraulic fracturing, the fracturing of rock-shale-formations due to the injection of fluids at high pressure, is at the heart of a new process to extract petroleum and gas from shales. It is therefore surprising to discover that there are no data available on the structure of such networks beyond the most rudimentary. In reservoirs, they provide “highways” for fluid and gas transport. Fracture networks are of great importance in geophysical transport properties.