Sequence stratigraphic principles applied to the analysis of borehole microseismic data

Abstract

Based on a sequence stratigraphic framework developed using gamma ray stacking patterns, we have identified brittle-ductile couplets, which allow us to better interpret the microseismic response recorded during a single-stage hydraulic fracture stimulation treatment monitored from three strategically located observation wells. We have analyzed and compared hydraulic fracturing results inferred by individual processing of microseismic data acquired from horizontal and vertical sensor arrays, as well as the results from simultaneously processing the signals recorded by all three sensors. Ultimately, we have decided in favor of the triple array simultaneous solution as the most useful data set to interpret the stimulation treatment due to the location of the microseismic events coupled with the theoretical expectation from our sequence stratigraphic framework. The final data set has not only allowed us to better interpret the hydraulic fracturing results, but also helped us improve recommendations in support of the field development campaign.