Key Achievements
Innovative equipment development: Created high-pressure x-ray transparent rock deformation cells [Cartwright-Taylor et al., 2022; Butler et al., 2020], including a unique cell with integrated acoustic monitoring [Cartwright-Taylor et al., 2022]. This innovation allows direct observation of microstructural changes alongside indirect acoustic measurements.
Ground-breaking insights: Captured the first direct in-situ views of shear failure at the grain-scale and uncovered previously hidden kinematic mechanisms [Cartwright-Taylor et al., 2022]. Established that failure is more predictable in heterogeneous materials [Cartwright-Taylor et al., 2020], while loading with constant micro-seismic event rate suppresses seismicity [Mangriotis et al., 2025].
Further highlights: Developed new crack segmentation method to show shear band orientation partly controlled by directed percolation [Elijas-Parra et al., 2025], showed that acoustic coda-wave interferometry more effectively characterizes rock property changes than first-arrival methods [Singh et al., 2019] and both fracture normal effective stress and offset control permeability [Fraser-Harris et al., 2020]. Demonstrated the potential of a circular heat network [Fraser-Harris et al., 2022].
Community contributions: Published two unique x-ray microtomography datasets and invited to present findings at several international conferences and seminars.
Future Goals
Quantify micro-physical subsurface processes essential for achieving Net Zero goals, including geothermal energy, long-term CO₂ storage, and seasonal H₂ storage.
Observe directly microstructural and fluid transport changes with x-rays under reservoir conditions and link with acoustic data to enhance models, reduce uncertainties and mitigate risks of induced seismicity.