Title: Induced seismicity in geologic carbon storage

Abstract

Geologic carbon storage, as well as other geo-energy applications, such as geothermal energy, seasonal natural gas storage and subsurface energy storage imply fluid injection and/or extraction that causes changes in rock stress field and may induce (micro)seismicity. If felt, seismicity has a negative effect on public perception and may jeopardize wellbore stability and damage infrastructure. Thus, induced earthquakes should be minimized to successfully deploy geo-energies. However, numerous processes may trigger induced seismicity, which contribute to making it complex and translates into a limited forecast ability of current predictive models. We review the triggering mechanisms of induced seismicity. Specifically, we analyze (1) the impact of pore pressure evolution and the effect that properties of the injected fluid have on fracture and/or fault stability; (2) non-isothermal effects caused by the fact that the injected fluid usually reaches the injection formation at a lower temperature than that of the rock, inducing rock contraction, thermal stress reduction and stress redistribution around the cooled region; (3) local stress changes induced when low-permeability faults cross the injection formation, which may reduce their stability and eventually cause fault reactivation; (4) stress transfer caused by seismic or aseismic slip; and (5) geochemical effects, which may be especially relevantmore » in carbonate-containing formations. We also review characterization techniques developed by the authors to reduce the uncertainty in rock properties and subsurface heterogeneity both for the screening of injection sites and for the operation of projects. Based on the review, we propose a methodology based on proper site characterization, monitoring and pressure management to minimize induced seismicity.« less

Authors:

Vilarrasa, Víctor  ^[1];

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Carrera, Jesus ^[1]; Olivella, Sebastià ^[2]; Rutqvist, Jonny ^[3]; Laloui, Lyesse ^[4]

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+ Show Author Affiliations

1. Spanish National Research Council (IDAEA-CSIC), Barcelona (Spain); Associated Unit: Hydrogeology Group UPC-CSIC, Barcelona (Spain)
2. Technical Univ. of Catalonia (UPC-BarcelonaTech), Barcelona (Spain)
3. Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
4. Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne (Switzerland)

Publication Date:

2019-06-19

Research Org.:

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE Office of Science (SC)

OSTI Identifier:

1580885

Grant/Contract Number:  

AC02-05CH11231

Resource Type:

Accepted Manuscript

Journal Name:

Solid Earth (online)

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: Solid Earth (online); Journal Volume: 10; Journal Issue: 3; Journal ID: ISSN 1869-9529

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

58 GEOSCIENCES