Hydro-mechanical simulation and analysis of induced seismicity for a hydraulic stimulation test at the Reykjanes geothermal field, Iceland

TL;DR

This study combines seismic data analysis with physics-based simulations to understand fault reactivation caused by hydraulic stimulation at the Reykjanes geothermal field, enhancing insights into induced seismicity.

Contribution

It introduces an integrated approach using seismic analysis and coupled hydromechanical simulations to better understand injection-induced fault reactivation.

Findings

Seismic data can inform and calibrate simulation models.

Simulations can enhance interpretation of seismic activity.

Fault reactivation mechanisms are clarified through combined analysis.

Abstract

The hydraulic stimulation of the well RN-34 at the Reykjanes geothermal field in Iceland caused increased seismic activity near the well. Here, we use this as a case study for investigation on how seismic analysis can be combined with physics-based simulation studies to further understand injection-induced fault reactivation. The work presents new analysis of the seismic data combined with application of a recent simulation software for modeling of coupled hydromechanical processes and fault deformation caused by fluid injection. The simulation model incorporates an explicit model of the fault network based on geological characterization combined with insights from seismic analysis. The 3D faulted reservoir model is then calibrated based on injection data. Despite limited data, the work shows how seismic interpretations can be used in developing simulation models and, reciprocally, how the modeling can add to the seismic interpretations in analysis of dynamics.