Robert Hernandez, an M.S. candidate in the Weingarten Lab, presents a simple primer on how injection-induced seismicity works in places like Oklahoma and the broader U.S. mid-continent.
Active Research:
|
Developing a better understanding of the physics of injection-induced seismicity
Here is an example of a permeability structure from a 3D numerical model built to simulate pressure changes from injection wells in the Raton Basin of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. References: Nakai, Weingarten et al. (2017); Keranen and Weingarten (2018); Scanlon, Weingarten et al. (2018) |
|
|
Forecasting Injection-Induced Seismicity
We use physics-based models combining pore pressure and statistical seismology to forecast injection-induced earthquakes in Oklahoma and Kansas through time. References: Langenbruch, Weingarten et al. (2018) |
Modeled fluid pressure increases (MPa/year) and earthquake occurrence from deep fluid injection in Oklahoma from 2005 - 2020. Note how areas of increased pressurization, denoted by warmer colors, are areas where seismicity is more likely to occur. |
|
Simulation-Optimization
We use computational simulation and optimization models that attempt aid quantitative decision-making in an inherently uncertain physical environment. We have applied this methodology to injection wells operating in Oklahoma. References: Weingarten, Gorelick and Zoback (2017) |
|
|
Dynamic Permeability
Permeability is not a static property of the geologic subsurface -- it is dynamic -- and has been shown to vary over time. One way in which permeability varies over time is from the stresses associated with large teleseismic or regional earthquakes. The waves from near- to far-field earthquakes have been shown to perturb hydrogeologic systems. We have studied these timing and magnitude of these perturbations in several systems. References: Weingarten and Ge (2014); Wang et al. (2017) |
|
|
Crustal-Scale Permeability
We research permeability in several different geologic settings to better understand the physical mechanisms which control crustal-scale permeability. We aim to better understand the relationships and feedbacks between permeability and other geologic forcings in the earth's crust. References: Weingarten (2019); Levandowski et al. (2018); Figure from McNamara et al. |
|