Enhanced Monitoring of Geologic Carbon Sequestration Using 3-D Passive Microseismic Location Techniques

The DOE¿s carbon sequestration program requires careful monitoring and verification to ensure high-confidence with respect to the accounting of stored carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Passive seismic monitoring of microseismicity occurring at the reservoir scale can help to ensure the permanent sequestration of captured carbon dioxide. This project will adapt a state-of-the-art, three-dimensional location technique to passively monitor the microseismic movement of sequestered carbon dioxide in geological formations. In Phase I, the location algorithm was adapted to the microseimic scale of the carbon dioxide storage environment, and a wavelet-based phase detection algorithm was developed to process the microseismic waveform data. Phase II will involve the further development of the location methodology for use in the reservoir environment and its augmentation with data processing algorithms and field data demonstrations. One field demonstration will involve a microseismic study at a Department of Energy carbon storage pilot site performed in collaboration with researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the application to carbon sequestration, passive monitoring at the microseismic scale should have many potential commercial uses, including applications in enhanced oil recovery, geothermal field monitoring, and mining operations.