Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
BOX 7.1
Research Recommendations
Data Collection—Field and Laboratory
1. Collect, categorize, and evaluate data on potential induced seismic events in the field. High-quality
seismic data are central to this effort. Research should identify the key types of data to be collected and
data collection protocol.
2. Conduct research to establish the means of making in situ stress measurements nondestructively.
3. Conduct additional field research on microseisms in natural fracture systems including field-scale
observations of the very small events and their native fractures.
4. Conduct focused research on the effect of temperature variations on stressed jointed rock systems. Al-
though of immediate relevance to geothermal energy projects, the results would benefit understanding
of induced seismicity in other energy technologies.
5. Conduct research that might clarify the in situ links among injection rate, pressure, and event size.
Instrumentation
1. Conduct research to address the gaps in current knowledge and availability of instrumentation: Such
research would allow the geothermal industry, for example, to develop this domestic renewable source
more effectively for electricity generation.
Hazard and Risk Assessment
1. Direct research to develop steps for hazard and risk assessment for single energy development projects
(as described in Chapter 5, Table 5.2).
TYPES AND CAUSES OF INDUCED SEISMICITY
Findings
1.
The basic mechanisms that can induce seismicity related to energy-related injec-
tion and extraction activities are not mysterious and are presently well understood.
2.
Only a very small fraction of injection and extraction activities among the hun-
dreds of thousands of energy development wells in the United States have induced
seismicity at levels that are noticeable to the public.
3.
Current models employed to understand the predictability of the size and loca-
tion of earthquakes through time in response to net fluid injection or withdrawal
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