Imaging seismic deformation induced by hydraulic fracture complexity

Microseismic mapping is extensively used in the Barnett Shale to map hydraulic fracture complexity associated with interactions of the stimulation with pre-existing fractures (fracs). Previous studies have indicated a fair correlation between the well performance and extent of the seismically active volume. However, in addition to this measure of the extent of the stimulated fracture network, the characteristics of this fracture network is also expected to impact the well performance. In particular, the fracture spacing is believed to be an important factor controlling the potential gas flow. In this paper, we use the density of the total seismic moment release (a robust measure of the microseism strength) as an indication of the seismic deformation that may correlate to the fracture density. The study uses a set of microseismic maps of hydraulic fracture stimulations, including cases in which the stimulated reservoir volume measured by the extent of the seismically active region poorly correlated with the well performance. Incorporating the seismic moment density to assess the fracture density with the network extent, an improved correlation with the well performance was observed. Copyright © 2009 Society of Petroleum Engineers.