| Title | A hypothetical geomechanics model for the assessment of potential environmental impact of shale gas fracking - Part II: implication for induced seismicity |
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| Author | Wang, B |
| Source | GeoMontréal 2013, Proceedings of the Canadian Geotechnical Conference; 2013 p. 1-7 |
| Image |  |
| Year | 2013 |
| Alt Series | Earth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20130050 |
| Publisher | The Canadian Geotechnical Society |
| Meeting | GéoMontréal 2013, the 66th Canadian Geotechnical Conference and the 11th Joint CGS/IAH-CNC Groundwater Conference; Montreal; CA; September 29 - October 3, 2013 |
| Document | book |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper |
| File format | pdf |
| Subjects | fossil fuels; environmental geology; geophysics; shales; environmental impacts; environmental studies; structural features; faults; models; modelling; Utica Shales |
| Illustrations | location maps; cross-sections; plots |
| Program | Environmental
Geoscience Shale Gas - groundwater |
| Released | 2013 01 01 |
| Abstract | This paper presents a hypothesis that large scale hydraulic fracturing of gas shale for natural gas extraction causes disturbance to the shale. In turn, it causes stress re-distribution within the
overall rock structure. Faults nearby may react to such change and be subject to additional strain. The response may extend to a depth several kilometres greater than that associated with isolated hydraulic fracturing pressures. A discontinuum model
was used for this study. It was applied to the Utica shales in Quebec. Results from the model confirmed the hypothesis. However, the observed magnitude of fault deformation was found to be small. The estimated potential seismicity associated with
such deformation is consistent with the observations reported by others, i.e. small magnitude events. |
| Summary | (Plain Language Summary, not published)
This paper presents a hypothesis that large scale fracturing of gas shale for natural gas extraction causes reduction of the shale stiffness. This in
turn causes stress re-distribution within the geological structure. Faults may react to such change and deform. The response may extend to a greater depth than that associated with isolated hydraulic fracturing pressures. A discontinuum model was
used and the Utica shale case was analyzed. The model confirmed the hypothesis. However, the magnitude of fault deformation was observed to be small. The estimated potential seismicity associated with such deformation is consistent with the
observations reported by others. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 292581 |
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