Injection-induced seismic moment in layered rock formations

Abstract

Appropriate estimation of seismic moment release during fluid injection is critical to mitigate the risk of induced seismic hazards and to guide safe operation in the geo-energy industry. However, the present single-layer models overlook the contributions of fault slip in different rock layers to the seismic moment release. Here we report an analytical model incorporating a multiple-layer function to predict the injection-induced seismic moment in layered rock formations. This model is established based on fault slip triggered by aseismic motion, particularly considering the locations of aseismic slip front and fluid diffusion front on a seismogenic fault in relative to the layer interface. We compare the maximum seismic moment obtained from our model to those estimated from three single-layer models and those measured from eleven field cases. The results highlight possible underestimation of the maximum seismic moment using the single-layer models in the layered rock formations. We also emphasize that a proper selection of layer model is significant to reasonably assess the seismic moment release. Lastly, we apply both the single-layer and double-layer models to predict the maximum seismic moment of the 5 February 2019 $M_w$ 4.0 earthquake in the Weiyuan Shale Gas Field in Sichuan, China. The engineering application further confirms the necessity of using the double-layer model in the layered rock formations. Additionally, the assessment of amplification factors for fault segments provides a better understanding of induced seismic hazards in different rock layers and possibly guides the safety threshold of injection rate during fluid injection.