Fracturing & Induced Seismicity

Date: Tuesday, February 14 2017 Time: 11:15-12:45 PM Location: Fairmont Palliser Hotel For more info refer to this link: goo.gl/kptUYG

In the past few years, public concerns have been raised about localized incidents of anomalous induced seismicity (AIS). These events are caused by hydraulic fracturing, which often go hand-in-hand with the development of unconventional energy resources in western Canada. Similar concerns about induced seismicity are present in parts of the U.S.—particularly Oklahoma—which involve the large-volume disposal of co-produced formation water.

In either scenario, the occurrence of AIS requires:

1. A source of pore pressure or stress change

2. The existence of a proximal, pre-existing slip surface (geological fault) that is close to a critically stressed state and with sufficient contiguous surface area to produce a felt event

3. A permeable pathway from the injection site to the fault

This presentation will provide an update regarding scientific advances in understanding the dynamics of fault activation by hydraulic fracturing, possible risk factors for induced seismicity in certain unconventional plays, and strategies for risk mitigation.