Research papers

Many recent reports state that larger (magnitude >2) induced seismic events related to shale gas hydraulic fracturing operations occur only in low numbers, and the associated risks are considered minor. Although occurrences are rare, induced seismicity can produce local and potentially damaging earthquakes, and even earthquakes that are felt but cause no damage are a nuisance to the local population. Therefore, research aimed at achieving a better understanding of induced seismicity and improved microseismic monitoring is ongoing. 

This is reflected, for example, in the recent publication of a set of papers within two special sections on ‘Passive Seismic and Microseismic’ in the journal ‘The Leading Edge’. The full articles are available only to journal subscribers; abstracts are available for free. However, the publisher (Society of Exploration Geophysicists SEG) granted the right to SHIP to republish full-texts of the introductory articles to both special sections. Please note that the CC license of the SHIP website does not apply to this material.

Introduction to this special section: Passive seismic and microseimic - Part 1 

Introduction to this special section: Passive seismic and microseismic - Part 2

DOI links for both articles:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/tle31111296.1

http://dx.doi.org/10.1190/tle31121428.1

Best-practice Protocols

Researchers, regulators and related industries are working on operational protocols to further mitigate the risks related to induced seismicity. Most recently, the UK government has announced new controls for induced seismicity risk mitigation in future shale gas exploration. These controls mainly build on the expert recommendations that came from the scientific investigation of seismic events in the Blackpool area of the UK in April and May, 2011. 

Existing ‘Induced Seismicity Checklists and Protocols’ and the use of a ‘Traffic Light Control System’ are reviewed in the report "Induced Seismicity Potential in Energy Technologies", which was published in June, 2012 by the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS). Another protocol is to be published soon; Shemata et al. state in their article from December, 2012 that "AXPC [American Exploration and Production Council] is currently developing a white paper on induced seismicity, which will include a suggested protocol for managing the risk of induced seismicity."