Alteration of fault deformation mode under fluid injection

Abstract

First experimental results on fluid injection influence on a mode of interblock contact deformation are reported. It is found that deformation energy consumed to radiate seismic waves largely depends on parameters of a fluid injected into a fracture. Dilatant fluid appears to be the most efficient to decrease seismic energy as viscosity of such fluid grows with increasing deformation rate. In laboratory tests the slip-stick motion mode transforms into a quasi-stable creep in a single deformation cycle after fluid injection is ceased.