Articles | Volume 17, issue 3
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-485-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-485-2026
© Author(s) 2026. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Method article
| 
18 Mar 2026
Method article |
| 18 Mar 2026
| 18 Mar 2026
The influence of burial history on physical rock properties: a case study of Lower Jurassic claystones from the Hils and Sack Synclines (Germany)
Raphael Burchartz
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Institute of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Timo Seemann
Institute of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Garri Gaus
Institute of Organic Biogeochemistry in Geo-Systems, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG, 52056 Aachen, Germany
Lisa Winhausen
Institute of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Mohammadreza Jalali
Institute of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Brian Mutuma Mbui
Institute of Organic Biogeochemistry in Geo-Systems, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Sebastian Grohmann
Institute of Organic Biogeochemistry in Geo-Systems, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Linda Burnaz
Institute of Organic Biogeochemistry in Geo-Systems, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Marlise Colling Cassel
Institute of Organic Biogeochemistry in Geo-Systems, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Jochen Erbacher
Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, 30655 Hannover, Germany
Ralf Littke
Institute of Organic Biogeochemistry in Geo-Systems, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Florian Amann
Institute of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology, RWTH-Aachen University, 52064 Aachen, Germany
Fraunhofer Research Institution for Energy Infrastructures and Geotechnologies IEG, 52056 Aachen, Germany
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Raphael Burchartz, Brian Mutuma Mbui, Peter Achtziger-Zupančič, Garri Gaus, Timo Seemann, Lisa Winhausen, Yvonne Spychala, Mohammadreza Jalali, Ralf Littke, and Florian Amann
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-964, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2026-964, 2026
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Solid Earth (SE).
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We compile 782 hydraulic conductivity measurements from six European argillaceous formations relevant for high-level radioactive waste disposal. We show that maximum burial depth controls matrix-scale conductivity, while present-day depth, decompaction, fracturing, and self-sealing govern rock-mass behaviour, defining three depth-related evolutionary trends.
Tom Schaber, Mohammedreza Jalali, Alberto Ceccato, Alba Simona Zappone, Giacomo Pozzi, Valentin Gischig, Marian Hertrich, Men-Andrin Meier, Timo Seemann, Hannes Claes, Yves Guglielmi, Domenico Giardini, Stefan Wiemer, Massimo Cocco, and Florian Amann
Solid Earth, 17, 275–295, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-275-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-275-2026, 2026
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We studied a deep fault zone in Switzerland to gain a better understanding of how water moves through faults and how this affects earthquake activity. Using field and laboratory tests, we found that flow is strongly controlled by open fractures and permeability changes significantly with scale. Small samples underestimate flow compared to larger tests. Our results show that faults are heterogeneous, highlighting the need for site-specific studies when assessing risks or planning experiments.
Friedrich Carl, Jian Yang, Marlise Colling Cassel, Florian Wellmann, and Peter Achtziger-Zupančič
Solid Earth, 17, 155–178, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-155-2026, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-17-155-2026, 2026
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A method for shape quantification based on geometrical parameters is proposed alongside a set of regular geometries established as geomodeling benchmarks. Dimensions, gradient and curvature data is obtained on cross-sections. Data analyses provide insight into the main geometrical characteristics of the benchmark models and visualizes geometrical dis-/similarities between bodies. The method and benchmarks are usable in geomodeling workflows and structural comparisons based on sparse data.
Peter Achtziger-Zupančič, Alberto Ceccato, Alba Simona Zappone, Giacomo Pozzi, Alexis Shakas, Florian Amann, Whitney Maria Behr, Daniel Escallon Botero, Domenico Giardini, Marian Hertrich, Mohammadreza Jalali, Xiaodong Ma, Men-Andrin Meier, Julian Osten, Stefan Wiemer, and Massimo Cocco
Solid Earth, 15, 1087–1112, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1087-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-15-1087-2024, 2024
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We detail the selection and characterization of a fault zone for earthquake experiments in the Fault Activation and Earthquake Ruptures (FEAR) project at the Bedretto Lab. FEAR, which studies earthquake processes, overcame data collection challenges near faults. The fault zone in Rotondo granite was selected based on geometry, monitorability, and hydro-mechanical properties. Remote sensing, borehole logging, and geological mapping were used to create a 3D model for precise monitoring.
Thomas Mann, Bernhard Schuck, Tilo Kneuker, Lukas Pollok, André Bornemann, and Jochen Erbacher
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 2, 53–53, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-53-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-2-53-2023, 2023
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This contribution outlines that the BGE, implementer of Germany’s site selection procedure for a nuclear waste repository, likely underestimates the time necessary to characterize claystones within potential siting regions. Our latest experience originates from two research projects that developed sequence stratigraphic frameworks for largely homogenous claystone successions in Germany. We reckoned a total duration of 5 years for the workload in each of the abovementioned research projects.
Lisa Maria Ringel, Mohammadreza Jalali, and Peter Bayer
Hydrol. Earth Syst. Sci., 26, 6443–6455, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6443-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/hess-26-6443-2022, 2022
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Fractured rocks host a class of aquifers that serve as major freshwater resources worldwide. This work is dedicated to resolving the three-dimensional hydraulic and structural properties of fractured rock. For this purpose, hydraulic tomography experiments at the Grimsel Test Site in Switzerland are utilized, and the discrete fracture network is inverted. The comparison of the inversion results with independent findings from other studies demonstrates the validity of the approach.
Stefan Back, Sebastian Amberg, Victoria Sachse, and Ralf Littke
Solid Earth, 13, 1027–1043, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1027-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-1027-2022, 2022
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Three-dimensional backstripping based on the Archimedes principle restored changes through time in 3D subsurface evaporite thickness, 3D salt loss and gain, and 3D subsurface salt movement. The methodology presented is sensitive to any process that influences overburden thickness, in this case sedimentation, erosion and tectonics. The restoration approach can be integrated into existing backstripping workflows and can serve as a benchmark for physics-based numerical modelling of salt tectonics.
Lisa Winhausen, Kavan Khaledi, Mohammadreza Jalali, Janos L. Urai, and Florian Amann
Solid Earth, 13, 901–915, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-901-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-901-2022, 2022
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Triaxial compression tests at different effective stresses allow for analysing the deformation behaviour of Opalinus Clay, the potential host rock for nuclear waste in Switzerland. We conducted microstructural investigations of the deformed samples to relate the bulk hydro-mechanical behaviour to the processes on the microscale. Results show a transition from brittle- to more ductile-dominated deformation. We propose a non-linear failure envelop associated with the failure mode transition.
Xiaodong Ma, Marian Hertrich, Florian Amann, Kai Bröker, Nima Gholizadeh Doonechaly, Valentin Gischig, Rebecca Hochreutener, Philipp Kästli, Hannes Krietsch, Michèle Marti, Barbara Nägeli, Morteza Nejati, Anne Obermann, Katrin Plenkers, Antonio P. Rinaldi, Alexis Shakas, Linus Villiger, Quinn Wenning, Alba Zappone, Falko Bethmann, Raymi Castilla, Francisco Seberto, Peter Meier, Thomas Driesner, Simon Loew, Hansruedi Maurer, Martin O. Saar, Stefan Wiemer, and Domenico Giardini
Solid Earth, 13, 301–322, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-301-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-13-301-2022, 2022
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Questions on issues such as anthropogenic earthquakes and deep geothermal energy developments require a better understanding of the fractured rock. Experiments conducted at reduced scales but with higher-resolution observations can shed some light. To this end, the BedrettoLab was recently established in an existing tunnel in Ticino, Switzerland, with preliminary efforts to characterize realistic rock mass behavior at the hectometer scale.
Lisa Winhausen, Mohammadreza Jalali, and Florian Amann
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 301–301, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-301-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-301-2021, 2021
Ben Laurich, Jürgen Hesser, Sibylle Mayr, Lisa Winhausen, Amin Ghanizadeh, Antonia Nitsch, Julia Leuthold, Christian Weber, and Garri Gaus
Saf. Nucl. Waste Disposal, 1, 299–300, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-299-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/sand-1-299-2021, 2021
Lisa Winhausen, Jop Klaver, Joyce Schmatz, Guillaume Desbois, Janos L. Urai, Florian Amann, and Christophe Nussbaum
Solid Earth, 12, 2109–2126, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2109-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-2109-2021, 2021
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An experimentally deformed sample of Opalinus Clay (OPA), which is being considered as host rock for nuclear waste in Switzerland, was studied by electron microscopy to image deformation microstructures. Deformation localised by forming micrometre-thick fractures. Deformation zones show dilatant micro-cracking, granular flow and bending grains, and pore collapse. Our model, with three different stages of damage accumulation, illustrates microstructural deformation in a compressed OPA sample.
Peter-Lasse Giertzuch, Joseph Doetsch, Alexis Shakas, Mohammadreza Jalali, Bernard Brixel, and Hansruedi Maurer
Solid Earth, 12, 1497–1513, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1497-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/se-12-1497-2021, 2021
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Two time-lapse borehole ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys were conducted during saline tracer experiments in weakly fractured crystalline rock with sub-millimeter fractures apertures, targeting electrical conductivity changes. The combination of time-lapse reflection and transmission GPR surveys from different boreholes allowed monitoring the tracer flow and reconstructing the flow path and its temporal evolution in 3D and provided a realistic visualization of the hydrological processes.
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Short summary
In Germany, claystones are studied for their suitability as host-rocks for the disposal of high-level radioactive waste. The MATURITY project systematically investigates how gradual burial affects physical properties in the Lower Jurassic Amaltheenton Formation of the Lower Saxony Basin (Germany). Understanding these changes helps assess claystone suitability for long-term waste isolation, improving site selection for deep geological repositories.
In Germany, claystones are studied for their suitability as host-rocks for the disposal of...
