Using Frequency Domain Anomalies to Mark the Onset of Fault Activation Due to Hydraulic Fracturing

Session: Earthquake Source Parameters: Theory, Observations and Interpretations
Type: Oral
Date: 4/30/2020
Time: 09:15 AM
Room: 120 + 130
Description: 

Hydraulic fracturing is a technique that is increasingly becoming associated with induced seismicity and fault activation. Using datasets from Fox Creek, Alberta, we show that an increase in the 80-90 Hz frequency content for certain events is present on events along fault features. Events due to hydraulic fracturing or fracture network activation do not have an increase in frequency content in this band. Empirical Green’s functions analysis reveals that the events with increased high frequency content have apparent double corner frequencies. Based on this and source time function analysis, we infer that the apparent double corner frequency reflects fault complexity and the potential presence of asperities on the fault plane. We perform sensitivity analysis to determine the minimum sensor requirements for detecting the high frequency anomalies and test the idea of using the presence of these anomalies to detect the onset of fault activation. Although this phenomenon is observed in the Fox Creek, Alberta area, there are implications that this may be found in similar geologic settings and during activation of similar fault structures.

Presenting Author: Nadine Igonin

Authors