Methods of sealing a subsurface formation with saudi arabian volcanic ash

摘要

A method of sealing a water-bearing subsurface formation includes introducing an activation solution including an aqueous solution, Na₂SiO₃, NaOH, and one or both of CaCO₃ or Mn₃O₄ into the wellbore. The method further includes introducing Saudi Arabian volcanic ash into the wellbore. The Saudi Arabian volcanic ash comprises SO₃, CaO, SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MgO, and K₂O. The method further includes allowing the Saudi Arabian volcanic ash to contact the activation solution in the wellbore, thereby forming a geopolymer barrier between the wellbore and the water-bearing subsurface formation and sealing the water-bearing subsurface formation.