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

Journal Article · Fri Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5279343

Pearson, C; Albright, J; Heppler, H

The analyses of microearthquake signals occurring during hydraulic stimulation provide an estimate of the size and location of the fractures thus produced. The authors report 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. 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 Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico
• OSTI ID: 5279343
• Journal Information: Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States), Journal Name: Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States) Vol. 6; ISSN TGRCD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150906* -- Geothermal Engineering-- Reservoir Stimulation & Extraction Technology
BACA GEOTHERMAL FIELD
COMMINUTION
DETECTION
EARTHQUAKES
FEDERAL REGION VI
FORMATION DAMAGE
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
FRACTURING
GEOTHERMAL FIELDS
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MICROEARTHQUAKES
NEW MEXICO
NORTH AMERICA
SEISMIC DETECTION
SEISMIC EVENTS
STIMULATION
USA
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS