SEG/SPE Injection Induced Seismicity Workshop: A Decade of Learnings


7–9 June 2022
Austin, Texas, USA

Workshop Objective

The 6th workshop in the popular injection induced seismicity workshop series hosted by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) is scheduled for 7–9 June 2022 in Austin, Texas. Since the first workshop held in 2012, significant advancements have been made particularly in extensive seismic monitoring efforts as well as fundamental understanding of causal relations to both disposal wells and hydraulic fracturing operations.

Over the last decade, research efforts have advanced the scientific understanding in many areas, yet the issue of injection induced seismicity has continued to expand globally and particularly in North America. Enhanced seismic monitoring and state-of-the-art processing have expanded to provide detailed and high-resolution mapping of seismogenic faults, providing critical observations of how injection and hydraulic fracturing interact with susceptible structures. Regulations have been introduced in several regions to mitigate induced seismicity risks, which appear to have successfully curtailed seismicity in certain cases most notably associated with disposal into the Arbuckle formation in Oklahoma, and the Ellenburger formation in the Fort-Worth Basin. Industry has expanded use of seismic monitoring and developed operational protocols and recommended practices to mitigate the impacts of anomalous seismicity.

The workshop will highlight success and ongoing challenges associated with injection induced seismicity, through shared experiences of practitioners including researchers, regulators and government agencies, along with industry experts. The organizers welcome a cross-disciplinary stakeholder group and look forward to stimulating discussions on the next phase in this ongoing induced seismicity saga. Sessions will feature invited presentations covering recent case studies, research highlights and regulatory successes and challenges. The workshop format will be a combination of formal presentations and panel discussions, along with interactive poster and breakout sessions to encourage participant interaction. Topical poster submissions will also be considered.

Featured speakers include keynote presentations by Mark Zoback (Stanford); Aaron Velasco (University of Texas El Paso; State Seismologist, Railroad Commission of Texas); and Jim Wright (Commissioner Texas Railroad Commission).

Organizing Committee

  • Hannah Chittenden-Diamondback
  • Cody Comiskey-Chevron, Co-Chair
  • William Ellsworth-Stanford
  • Michelle Gaucher-BC Oil & Gas Canada
  • Shawn Maxwell-Ovintiv, Co-Chair
  • Steve Willson-Apache Corporation

Venue

Courtyard by Marriott Residence Inn
Austin Downtown/Convention Center
300 East 4th Street
Austin, Texas

For more information, please email Debbie Mitchell (SEG) (dmitchell@seg.org).