Name
Ambient noise monitoring in a region of disposal-induced seismicity; Central Alberta
Date & Time
Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 2:00 PM - 2:15 PM
Jesus Rojas-Parra
Description
Ambient seismic noise has been shown to be a useful tool for monitoring subtle changes in the subsurface that are reflected in changes in seismic wave properties. Here, we aim to use ambient noise to characterize reservoir response to sustained fluid injection, and in particular wastewater disposal, over a number of years. Central Alberta has observed an increase in the rate of seismic events since the end of 2019, believed to be associated with water disposal. Using continuous seismic data from January 2019 to August 2021, we calculate the relative change in seismic velocity over time. Our initial results suggest a correlation between velocity changes and seismicity rate; by using an histogram grouping the sum of events for seven days, and compare it to the stacking of the cross-correlation functions over the same number of days. Initial observations go in accordance to the fracture theory where relative wave velocities go down as a reservoir fractures and up as it heals. Nonetheless, these change occur in syncronic way making the observations undesirable for early warning systems. Finally, future plans include utilizing high performance computing and cuda processing to cut down on computational time.
Location Name
Aspen
Full Address
Banff Park Lodge Resort Hotel & Conference Centre
201 Lynx St
Banff AB T1L 1K5
Canada
Abstract
Ambient seismic noise has been shown to be a useful tool for monitoring subtle changes in the subsurface that are reflected in changes in seismic wave properties. Here, we aim to use ambient noise to characterize reservoir response to sustained fluid injection, and in particular wastewater disposal, over a number of years. Central Alberta has observed an increase in the rate of seismic events since the end of 2019, believed to be associated with water disposal. Using continuous seismic data from January 2019 to August 2021, we calculate the relative change in seismic velocity over time. Our initial results suggest a correlation between velocity changes and seismicity rate; by using an histogram grouping the sum of events for seven days, and compare it to the stacking of the cross-correlation functions over the same number of days. Initial observations go in accordance to the fracture theory where relative wave velocities go down as a reservoir fractures and up as it heals. Nonetheless, these change occur in syncronic way making the observations undesirable for early warning systems. Finally, future plans include utilizing high performance computing and cuda processing to cut down on computational time.
Session Type
Breakout Session