Seismicity induced by geoenergy projects: review and simulation methods
Numerous geoenergy projects (geologic carbon storage, geothermal systems, gas storage or hydraulic fracturing) involve injection of fluids at depth. The resulting changes in effective stress often induce (micro)seis- micity. While damages are usually minimal, public perception may be dam- aged if seismicity is perceived, thus compromising the project viability. The problem is worsened by the numerous processes involved (hydraulic, me- chanical, thermal, and often chemical), by the fact that they are intimately coupled, and by the diversity of failure settings. As a result, understanding is hard, which hinders not only numerical simulation, but also the design and operation of remediation and mitigation actions. We first review cou- pled process, from the traditional impact of pore pressure increase on sta- bility, to stress transfer driven by pressure gradients or thermal contrac- tion. This leads to a broad view of the induced seismicity operational mechanisms, which we summarize in five operational failure mechanisms (i.e., directly linked to fluid operation): pressure buildup, pressure dissipa- tion, displacement transfer, thermal contraction, and buoyancy. Under- standing them is needed to move beyond the traditional traffic light system into active pressure management to control induced seismicity.
Main Authors: | , , |
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Format: | comunicación de congreso biblioteca |
Language: | English |
Published: |
2023-05
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Subjects: | Geothermal energy, Induced seismicity, Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, |
Online Access: | http://hdl.handle.net/10261/311475 |
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Summary: | Numerous geoenergy projects (geologic carbon storage, geothermal
systems, gas storage or hydraulic fracturing) involve injection of fluids at
depth. The resulting changes in effective stress often induce (micro)seis-
micity. While damages are usually minimal, public perception may be dam-
aged if seismicity is perceived, thus compromising the project viability. The
problem is worsened by the numerous processes involved (hydraulic, me-
chanical, thermal, and often chemical), by the fact that they are intimately
coupled, and by the diversity of failure settings. As a result, understanding
is hard, which hinders not only numerical simulation, but also the design
and operation of remediation and mitigation actions. We first review cou-
pled process, from the traditional impact of pore pressure increase on sta-
bility, to stress transfer driven by pressure gradients or thermal contrac-
tion. This leads to a broad view of the induced seismicity operational
mechanisms, which we summarize in five operational failure mechanisms
(i.e., directly linked to fluid operation): pressure buildup, pressure dissipa-
tion, displacement transfer, thermal contraction, and buoyancy. Under-
standing them is needed to move beyond the traditional traffic light system
into active pressure management to control induced seismicity. |
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