3D internal lava flow architecture of Deccan basalts with implications for carbon storage

Abstract

The research focuses on characterizing the basalt flows to evaluate their potential in CO2 storage, specifically underlining mineral trapping as a safe and long-term mechanism for trapping CO2. High divalent cation content in basalts is ideal, such as in the case of mafic and ultramafic lithologies like the Deccan basalts of Junglee Jaigad, Maharashtra, India. Outcrop analogue studies, like in the case of comprehensive photogrammetric analysis by drones, are quite informative when considering geological heterogeneities and pathways of CO2 migration.

A DJI Mavic AIR2 drone captured 1403 images, which were processed into 3D models using Agisoft Metashape. Georeferenced models aligned with DEM data were finally used to outline lava flow boundaries, provide thickness, and give uncertainty estimates. Furthermore, variations in thickness along these lava flows were mapped using VRGS and GemPy. Surfer software was used for producing thickness maps. Thicknesses range from 10 m up to 35 m, and surface dips range from 0° to 4° NW. Lava flow units, which are of the simple pahoehoe type consists of vesicular crust and massive core, summarise the many aspects of the study’s basalt flow features. They are crucial for assessing the storage capability and CO2 movement paths inside basalt formations.