Potential Seismicity Along Basement Faults Induced by Geological Carbon Sequestration

Chang, Kyung Won; Yoon, Hongkyu; Martinez, M. J.

doi:10.1029/2022gl098721

Potential Seismicity Along Basement Faults Induced by Geological Carbon Sequestration

Journal Article · Thu Jul 07 00:00:00 EDT 2022 · Geophysical Research Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/2022gl098721· OSTI ID:1877149

^[1]; ^[1]; Martinez, M. J. ^[1]

Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Large-scale CO₂ sequestration into geological formations has been suggested to reduce CO₂ emissions from industrial activities. However, much like enhanced geothermal stimulation and wastewater injection, CO₂ sequestration has a potential to induce earthquake along weak faults, which can be considered a negative impact on safety and public opinion. This research shows the physical mechanisms of potential seismic hazards along basement faults driven by CO₂ sequestration under variation in geological and operational constraints. Specifically we compare the poroelastic behaviors between multiphase flow and single-phase flow cases, highlighting specific needs of evaluating induced seismicity associated with CO₂ sequestration. In contrast to single-phase injection scenario, slower migration of the CO₂ plume than pressure pulse may delay accumulation of pressure and stress along basement faults that may not be mitigated immediately by shut-in of injection. The impact of multiphase flow system, therefore, needs to be considered for proper monitoring and mitigation strategies.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE; USDOE Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) Program; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: NA0003525

OSTI ID:: 1877149

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1875321

Report Number(s):: SAND2022-8997J; 707870

Journal Information:: Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 13 Vol. 49; ISSN 0094-8276

Publisher:: American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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58 GEOSCIENCES
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induced seismicity
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Potential Seismicity Along Basement Faults Induced by Geological Carbon Sequestration

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