Applying Dynamic Fracture Propagation and Activation Models to Microseismicity Generation in a Geothermal Development Project at Blue Mountain, Nevada
Description:
EQdyna is a Finite Element Method (FEM) code for simulating dynamic fracture propagation and seismic wave propagation in elastic or elastoplastic medium. In this project EQdyna is applied towards the microseismic activity that is caused by hydraulic fracturing (HF), specifically focusing on the propagation of the opening fractures and its effect on nearby shear fractures. Using EQdyna, pre- selected propagation distances are varied to investigate the effects on the characteristics of the induced events and observed seismic signals. The induced events occurring here are believed to be a result of the shearing that occurs on pre-existing natural fractures (NF) in response to the dynamic stresses that are induced as HF propagation occurs. A three-case scenario is explored to determine the most likely cause for micro-seismicity that is observed in a geothermal development project at Blue Mountain, Nevada due to the stimulation of a geothermal well system. In these scenarios HF propagation will be explored using propagation termination points that are located just before, directly on (fracture network amalgamation), or just after a NF is encountered, it is believed that these scenarios will produce different microseismic distributions due to different driving forces. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology will be integrated into the model through utilization of a strategically placed seismic station network that will act as a sensing cable placed parallel to a specified NF. The goal of this investigation is to determine the scenario that can most be associated with the microseismicity occurring at the site, by creating a model containing a geometry and properties similar to what exists at the real-world field site.
Session: Seismic Monitoring, Modelling and Management Needed for Geothermal Energy and Geologic Carbon Storage [Poster Session]
Type: Poster
Date: 5/2/2024
Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)
Presenting Author: Emmanuel
Student Presenter: Yes
Invited Presentation:
Authors
Emmanuel Awe Presenting Author Corresponding Author eaawe86@gmail.com Texas A&M University |
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Applying Dynamic Fracture Propagation and Activation Models to Microseismicity Generation in a Geothermal Development Project at Blue Mountain, Nevada
Session
Seismic Monitoring, Modelling and Management Needed for Geothermal Energy and Geologic Carbon Storage