Electromagnetic Coupling in Porous Media Systems
Summary
Electromagnetic coupling in porous media encompasses the bidirectional interactions between electromagnetic fields and fluid flow within a solid matrix characterised by interconnected pores. When an electric field is applied to a fluid-saturated rock or sediment, ions in the pore fluid migrate and drag solvent molecules by electroosmotic flow, while fluid motion under pressure gradients generates streaming potentials. Conversely, seismic waves propagating through a fluid-filled porous medium induce charge separation at mineral surfaces, producing seismoelectric signals. These coupled phenomena are governed by an integrated framework of Maxwell’s equations and poroelastic theory, linking electrokinetic, electrochemical and mechanical parameters such as zeta potential, permeability, porosity and saturation. Research has demonstrated that coupling coefficients depend strongly on pore-fluid salinity, frequency and temperature, as well as on surface chemistry and mineral microstructure. Applications span subsurface fluid monitoring, hydrocarbon and geothermal reservoir characterisation, environmental remediation and non-invasive detection of contaminant plumes. Advances in numerical modelling, laboratory experimentation and field measurement techniques are now enhancing the sensitivity and resolution of electrokinetic methods, while addressing challenges such as low signal levels, noise suppression and anisotropy in heterogeneous media.
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Electromagnetic Coupling in Porous Media Systems publication trend
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Technical terms
Electroosmotic flow: Movement of fluid induced by an applied electric field through a charged porous matrix.
Streaming potential: Voltage generated when fluid flows through a charged porous medium under a pressure gradient.
Seismoelectric effect: Conversion of seismic waves into electromagnetic signals in fluid-saturated porous media.
Zeta potential: Electric potential at the shear plane between a solid surface and its adjacent fluid layer.
Poroelasticity: Mechanical behaviour of a porous material accounting for fluid–solid interactions.
References
- Experimental Study of Electroosmosis in Rock Cores Based on the Dual Pressure Sensor Method. Sensors (2024).
- Simulation of Seismoelectric Waves Using Time-Domain Finite-Element Method in 2D PSVTM Mode. Remote Sensing (2023).
- A novel approach for seismoelectric measurements using multielectrode arrangements: II—Laboratory measurements. Geophysical Journal International (2018).
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