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

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 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
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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