Rock failure during massive hydraulic stimulation of the Baca location geothermal reservoir

Conference · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:5118971

Pearson, C; Keppler, H; Albright, J; Potter, R

The analyses of microearthquake signals occurring during hydraulic stimulation provide an estimate of the size and location of the fractures thus produced. Studies of microearthquakes occurring during two large (> 10/sup 3/m/sup 3/) hydraulic stimulations of the hydrothermal reservoir at the Baca Location in the Jemez Mountains of northeastern New Mexico are reported. Both stimulations consisted of water, viscosity enhancer, and proppant. The microearthquake event rate was low but variable throughout most of the treatment. Rock failure as indicated by the distribution of the microearthquakes' foci appeared restricted to a nearly vertical NE striking zone. This orientation is in good agreement with the local earth stresses inferred from geological considerations. The second stimulation which occurred in a neighboring well was similar to the first except for a larger injected volume. The lateral extent of the detected fracture system was 600 m in both stimulations.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 5118971
• Report Number(s): LA-UR-82-1578; CONF-821007-5; ON: DE82018369
• Resource Relation: Conference: Annual goethermal resources council meeting, San Diego, CA, USA, 11 Oct 1982; Other Information: Portions of document are illegible
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
BACA GEOTHERMAL FIELD
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
ROCK MECHANICS
WELL STIMULATION
SEISMIC EFFECTS
FAILURES
MICROEARTHQUAKES
ROCKS
COMMINUTION
EARTHQUAKES
FRACTURING
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
MECHANICS
SEISMIC EVENTS
STIMULATION
Geothermal Legacy
150906* - Geothermal Engineering- Reservoir Stimulation & Extraction Technology
150301 - Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology- Geophysical Techniques & Surveys