Spatial correlations in permeability distributions due to extreme dynamics restructuring of unconsolidated sandstone

We propose a model for porous sandstone formation from unconsolidated sand based on a series of restructuring events where the local pressure difference due to flow in the sand is the largest. We investigate the local and global permeability distributions after steady state has been reached. Whereas we find no spatial correlations in the local permeability distribution, the distribution of inverse permeability shows spatial correlations consistent with a fractional Brownian noise characterized by a Hurst exponent of 0.88(9). The global permeability of the system shows time fluctuations as restructuring proceeds consistent with self-affinity characterized by a Hurst exponent of 0.25(3), crossing over to white noise at larger time scales.