Two Massive Hydraulic Tests Completed in Deep KTB Pilot Hole

Abstract

The German Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB)boreholes in Windischeschenbach, Bavaria, Germany have revealed a wealth of geoscientific data during the years of pre-drilling surveys (1984–1986), the drilling phase (1987–1994), and the subsequent deep-crustal laboratory phase (1995–2000, e.g. Emmermann & Lauterjung, 1997). In 2001, a new series of experiments were launched within and around the two KTB boreholes, the 4.0-km-deep pilot hole (KTBVB), and the 9.1-km-deep main hole (KTB-HB; Fig. 1). Theseexperiments address the spatial extension of fluid flow and fluid systems in the Earth's crystalline crust, their impact on physical rock parameters, rheology, the dynamics and mechanical stability of the crust, and the transport of soluble matter. Studies of these parameters under in situ conditions are of fundamental geoscientific and societal interest in areas such as the optimal use of fluid and thermal reservoirs, the safe disposal of critical wastes, and understanding seismogenesis, particularly in connection with large lake reservoirs.

Keywords

• German Continental Deep Drilling Program (KTB)