Moderate-to-large seismicity induced by hydrocarbon production

Abstract

It is well known that various human activities have the potential to generate seismic activity. Examples range from subsurface waste injection and reservoir impoundment in the vicinity of large dams to the development of mining, geothermal or hydrocarbon resources. Recently, induced seismicity in connection to geologic carbon sequestration projects has emerged as a new field of interest. This review discusses seismicity induced by hydrocarbon production. In particular, I focus on published cases for which earthquakes of moderate-to-large magnitudes-in other words earthquakes that can be felt on the surface-have been reported. I also discuss current theoretical approaches to model this phenomenon. The emphasis on moderate-to-large magnitudes is intended to complement the other contributions in this issue which focus primarily on microseismicity. Evidently, it is important to understand the conditions under which hydrocarbon production may induce seismic activity in order to ensure that field operations can be performed safely.