Hydromechanical Coupling in Fractured Rock Systems
Summary
Hydromechanical coupling in fractured rock refers to the two-way interaction between fluid flow and mechanical deformation within fractured geological media. Fracture networks act as primary conduits for groundwater, hydrocarbons and geothermal fluids, while stress changes modify fracture apertures, connectivity and permeability. Conversely, fluid pressure changes can induce rock deformation, alter stress distributions and even trigger slip along pre-existing faults. Understanding this interplay is crucial for safe underground construction, reservoir management, carbon storage and seismic hazard assessment. Advances in numerical modelling, laboratory experimentation and field monitoring have revealed mechanisms ranging from poroelastic stress transfer and shear dilation to fracture propagation and contact dynamics. These processes govern flow localisation, anisotropy of permeability and long-term stability of engineered and natural subsurface systems. Global efforts have focused on integrating multi-scale observations and predictive models to inform risk mitigation in disciplines as diverse as tunnel excavation, nuclear waste disposal and geothermal energy extraction.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
Hydromechanical Coupling in Fractured Rock Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in hydromechanical coupling in fractured rock systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Hydromechanical coupling: Two-way interaction between fluid pressure and mechanical deformation in rock masses.
Discrete Fracture Network (DFN): A conceptual model treating fractures as individual planar features governing flow and deformation.
Poroelasticity: Elastic response of a fluid-saturated porous medium to changes in stress and pressure.
Fracture aperture: The open gap between opposing fracture walls, controlling hydraulic conductivity.
Shear dilation: Increase in fracture opening due to shear displacement and asperity movement.
Permeability anisotropy: Directional variation in fluid conductivity arising from fracture orientation and stress state.
References
- Causal mechanism of Gotthard Base Tunnel-induced ground deformation: Insights from 3D fully-coupled hydro-mechanical simulation and comparison to field measurements. International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences (2023).
- Multi-scale Coupled Processes Modeling of Fractures as Porous, Interfacial and Granular Systems from Rock Images with the Numerical Manifold Method. Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering (2021).
- A continuum model for coupled stress and fluid flow in discrete fracture networks. Geomechanics and Geophysics for Geo-Energy and Geo-Resources (2016).
About these summaries
This Nature Research Intelligence Topic summary is created with the cited references and a large language model. We take care to ground generated text with facts, and have systems in place to gain human feedback on the overall quality of the process in line with our AI principles. We strive to create accurate and useful summaries for people unfamiliar with the research topic and that supports this goal. These pages are a beta release and will be updated as we learn how best to help people gain value from a research topic summary.
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.