Were the May 2012 Emilia‐Romagna earthquakes induced? A coupled flow‐geomechanics modeling assessment. Issue 13 (8th July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Juanes, R.; Jha, B.; Hager, B. H.; Shaw, J. H.; Plesch, A.; Astiz, L.; Dieterich, J. H.; Frohlich, C.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 43:Issue 13(2016)
• Page Start: 6891
• Page End: 6897
• Publication Date: 2016-07-08
• Subjects: induced seismicity -- geomechanics -- faulting -- earthquakes -- coupled models -- water injection; Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2016GL069284
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

Abstract: Seismicity induced by fluid injection and withdrawal has emerged as a central element of the scientific discussion around subsurface technologies that tap into water and energy resources. Here we present the application of coupled flow‐geomechanics simulation technology to the post mortem analysis of a sequence of damaging earthquakes ( Mw = 6.0 and 5.8) in May 2012 near the Cavone oil field, in northern Italy. This sequence raised the question of whether these earthquakes might have been triggered by activities due to oil and gas production. Our analysis strongly suggests that the combined effects of fluid production and injection from the Cavone field were not a driver for the observed seismicity. More generally, our study illustrates that computational modeling of coupled flow and geomechanics permits the integration of geologic, seismotectonic, well log, fluid pressure and flow rate, and geodetic data and provides a promising approach for assessing and managing hazards associated with induced seismicity. Key Points: Coupled flow‐geomechanics modeling permits integration of geologic, seismotectonic, well log, fluid pressure/flow rate, and geodetic data We use geomechanics models to assess whether injected and produced fluids may have induced two ~ M 6 May 2012 earthquakes in northern Italy Our study illustrates a promising approach for assessing and managing hazard associated with induced seismicity