Journal of Petroleum Technology, Vol.52, No.12, 64-65, 2000
Microearthquake monitoring for reservoir management
Microseismic monitoring can enable mapping and quantifying of the spatial distribution of production-induced microearthquakes. Fault structures that act as flow channels or now barriers can be identified. Flow anisotropy in fracture-dominated reservoirs can be imaged. Fluid-pressure-front movement during waterflood can be monitored. Targeting new production and injection wells can be assisted. Areas of reservoir compaction and potential wellbore instability can be identified. High-resolution time-lapse images of seismic velocity and anisotropy become available, and information for conditioning of reservoir simulators is provided.