| Abstract |
Numerical simulation is used to define the rather special conditions under which large-scale vapor-dominated zones can evolve. Given an adequate supply of heat, a vapor-dominated zone can evolve within low-permeability barriers without changes in rock properties or boundary conditions. However, the evolution of the system is accelerated in cases involving an initially high fluid throughflow rate that decreases with time. Near-steady-state pressures within the vapor-dominated zone are shown to vary with depth to the caprock. |