Cyclic Injection Leads to Larger and More Frequent Induced Earthquakes under Volume-Controlled Conditions

Journal Article · 18 April 2024 · Seismological Research Letters

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1785/0220230330 · OSTI ID:2377896

Kroll, Kayla A.  ^[1]; Cochran, Elizabeth S.  ^[2]

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1. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
2. US Geological Survey, Pasadena, CA (United States). Earthquake Science Center

As carbon storage technologies advance globally, methods to understand and mitigate induced earthquakes become increasingly important. Although the physical processes that relate increased subsurface pore pressure changes to induced earthquakes have long been known, reliable methods to forecast and control induced seismic sequences remain elusive. Suggested reservoir engineering scenarios for mitigating induced earthquakes typically involve modulation of the injection rate. Some operators have implemented periodic shutdowns (i.e., effective cycling of injection rates) to allow reservoir pressures to equilibrate (e.g., Paradox Valley) or shut-in wells after the occurrence of an event of concern (e.g., Basel, Switzerland). Other proposed scenarios include altering injection rates, actively managing pressures through coproduction of fluids, and preinjection brine extraction. Here, in this work, we use 3D physics-based earthquake simulations to understand the effects of different injection scenarios on induced earthquake rates, maximum event magnitudes, and postinjection seismicity. For comparability, the modeled injection considers the same cumulative volume over the project’s operational life but varies the schedule and rates of fluid injected. Simulation results show that cyclic injection leads to more frequent and larger events than constant injection. Furthermore, with intermittent injection scenario, a significant number of events are shown to occur during pauses in injection, and the seismicity rate remains elevated for longer into the postinjection phase compared to the constant injection scenario.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC52-07NA27344
• OSTI ID: 2377896
• Report Number(s): LLNL--JRNL-855173; 1084059
• Journal Information: Seismological Research Letters, Journal Name: Seismological Research Letters Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 95; ISSN 0895-0695
• Publisher: Seismological Society of AmericaCopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English