Method for calculating spatial and temporal distribution of the Gutenberg-Richter parameter for induced subsurface seismic events and its application to evaluation of subsurface formations
US8681583B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 17, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 6, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/1234
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for evaluating fractures induced in subsurface formations includes determining hypocenters and origin times of induced seismic events from seismic signals detected by seismic sensors deployed above a volume of the subsurface formations to be evaluated and recording the detected signals for a selected time. A modified Gutenberg-Richter exponent is determined for each induced seismic event having at least a selected number of other induced seismic events within a selected radial distance thereof. A spatial distribution of the modified Gutenberg-Richter exponents is used to determine at least one property of the induced fractures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.