Seismic detection of a hydraulic fracture from shear-wave VSP data at Lost Hills Field, California

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Geophysics

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1443523· OSTI ID:143784

Meadows, M A; Winterstein, D F ^[1]

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1. Chevron Petroleum Technology Co., La Habra, CA (United States)

The authors describe the results of a geophysical experiment in which shear waves (S-waves) were used to detect the presence of a hydraulic fracture in a diatomite reservoir at the Lost Hills Field. They show evidence that transient S-waves recorded in a monitor well represent diffracted energy that disappears as the fracture closes. They also show how, using simple models, one can establish limits on fracture lengths and heights by accurately modeling the scattered wavefield. These limits are dependent upon both the recording geometry and the wavelength of the S-waves incident on the fracture. The principles of S-wave recording and processing described here can provide important information about the geometry of induced fractures, which are becoming increasingly important for enhanced recovery. The paper presents background information about the Lost Hills Field and provide other details relevant for mapping induced fractures. The remainder of the paper treats the data processing and modeling of the experiment itself and discusses the implications for future experiments of this type.

• OSTI ID: 143784
• Journal Information: Geophysics, Journal Name: Geophysics Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 59; ISSN GPYSA7; ISSN 0016-8033
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
58 GEOSCIENCES
HYDRAULIC FRACTURES
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MAPPING
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
RESPONSE FUNCTIONS
SEISMIC SURVEYS