Induced microseismicity and tremor signatures illuminate different slip behaviours in a natural shale fault reactivated by a fluid pressure stimulation (Mont Terri)

Fault slip induced by fluid perturbation in shale formations may only lead to a sparse seismicity. However, fault slip may strongly impact the integrity of shale formations that serve as caprocks for geological reservoirs holding buoyant fluids such as CO2, natural gas or hydrogen. A better understanding of the fluid reactivation processes of fault and the seismic triggering process is therefore critical for reservoir monitoring and fault stability. Here we analyse the seismic responses of a shale fault exposed to fluid pressurization during an in situ field-scale injection experiment at & SIM;340 m depth in the Mont Terri underground research laboratory (Switzerland). Two main types of seismic signals are observed as the fault was activated and started to slowly slip. After an aseismic phase, we observed tremor signatures and an increase in noise amplitude, which were directly associated with the slowly propagating fault slip in response to fluid injection. These signatures were later followed by micro-earthquakes that seem to occur further away from the fluid-pressurized area. We interpret these micro-earthquakes to be triggered by stress perturbations from the main slip growth. These two classes of seismic responses therefore highlight two different processes. Tremors seem to be a more direct observation for the fluid-induced slip propagation than micro-earthquakes. Even hidden in the noise, they precede earthquake failures, thus providing a useful tool for monitoring fluid leakage activated by slow deformation on low permeable shale faults, with applications for sealing integrity of caprocks.

Automated summary

Fault slip induced by fluid perturbation in shale formations can impact the integrity of shale caprocks for reservoirs holding buoyant fluids, and a better understanding of these processes is critical for reservoir monitoring. In this study, seismic responses of a shale fault exposed to fluid pressurization during an injection experiment were analyzed. Two types of seismic signals were observed: tremors associated with fluid-induced slip propagation, and micro-earthquakes triggered by stress perturbations. Tremors serve as a more direct observation for fluid-induced slip, providing a useful tool for monitoring fluid leakage and sealing integrity.