In-situ stress constraints on the focal mechanisms of induced seismicity

Y. Mukuhira, T. Ito, M. C. Fehler, M. Naoi, H. Moriya, H. Asanuma, M. O. Häring

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Microseismic monitoring is a crucial technique for successful hydraulic stimulation/fracking for various types of subsurface development. Knowledge about the geometry of the fracture is also essential for a better understanding of many phenomena in reservoirs. Fracture orientation can be estimated by the seismological method under very good monitoring situation. However, we often face difficulty in constraining the focal mechanism of microseismicity from first motion due to the small number of stations. We develop a method to constrain the range of focal mechanisms solutions by introducing in-situ stress information. We can reject candidate focal mechanisms which are consistent with first motion but not consistent with in-situ stress by checking two conditions. 1) consistency between shear vector estimated from in-situ stress and the rake from first motion analysis, 2) state of stress of the fracture and its stability considering the injection pressure. We use field data to demonstrate that this method can significantly constrain the range of focal mechanisms.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationRock Mechanics for Natural Resources and Infrastructure Development- Proceedings of the 14th International Congress on Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, ISRM 2019
EditorsSergio A.B. da Fontoura, Ricardo José Rocca, José Félix Pavón Mendoza
PublisherCRC Press/Balkema
Pages1380-1387
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9780367422844
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Event14th International Congress on Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, ISRM 2019 - Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil
Duration: 2019 Sept 132019 Sept 18

Publication series

NameRock Mechanics for Natural Resources and Infrastructure Development- Proceedings of the 14th International Congress on Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, ISRM 2019

Conference

Conference14th International Congress on Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering, ISRM 2019
Country/TerritoryBrazil
CityFoz do Iguaçu
Period19/9/1319/9/18

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'In-situ stress constraints on the focal mechanisms of induced seismicity'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this