Revealing complex subsurface dynamics with continuous seismic monitoring: Observations using distributed acoustic sensing and surface orbital vibrators during hydraulic fracturing

Abstract

Understanding hydraulic fracturing is crucial to improving the stimulation of unconventional reservoirs and increasing fluid production. This study develops a novel seismic monitoring technology using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) and surface orbital vibrators (SOV) to capture fracture seismic response and mechanical properties at high temporal intervals. We analyze continuous time-lapse vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data acquired every hour during the first nine days of treatment of an unconventional reservoir in the Austin Chalk/Eagle Field Laboratory. The VSP data contain clear seismic signals scattered from the activated fractures. The spatiotemporal changes of the fracture reflectivity revealed by the SOV/DAS data correlate well with the observations of fracture locations inferred from low-frequency DAS data. These results capture the fracture opening and closure processes, as well as highlight potential prestage activations of the fractures due to hydraulic connectivity with preexisting fracture systems. Therefore, analysis of the presented data set provides a unique opportunity to understand fracture initiation and subsequent evolution, not only in the context of unconventional resources but also in enhanced geothermal systems.