Using special cameras, technicians recorded detailed, three-dimensional pictures of each alcove. Scientists use these to find the best places within the alcove to conduct specific tests. Measurements of permeability will be the primary testing conducted in each alcove. It depends on the size and extent of fractures within the rock, the amount and size of pore space between the grains or crystals of the rock, and the connectivity of the fracture system. Eventually, scientists hope their studies will produce a detailed picture of how gases and liquids could move through the mountain.
Scientists are interested in where gases and liquids flow and at what rate of speed.
Generally, fluids travel through dense rock exceptionally slowly, a few inches over hundreds, and even thousands, of years. But where fractures exist, fluids may move much more quickly. Of interest then are how liquids and gases get from one point to another. By injecting a constant flow of pressurized air into specific areas, scientists will be able to gain answers to these questions. To reach this goal, to date, workers dry-drilled a total of seven boreholes within the alcoves and removed the rock core produced.