Beyond fractures: the role of bedding planes in fluid flow pathways within a well-bedded carbonate sequence

Conventionally, subsurface fluid flow modelling studies have concentrated on the characterization of fracture networks and their capacity to facilitate vertical and lateral fluid movements. This study utilizes unique field observations of oxidation halos in a well-bedded carbonate sequence in the Paris Basin, France, offering new perspectives on fluid flow pathways. It demonstrates that, in addition to fractures, bedding planes also serve as critical conduits for horizontal fluid flow. This research highlights the importance of integrating both fractures and bedding planes to assess connectivity and improve fluid flow models, particularly in relatively shallow subsurface environments where such features are more likely to remain open or become reactivated. This approach is vital for geoscience and engineering applications, including reservoir management and waste disposal strategies.