Surface Deformation and Seismicity Induced by Poroelastic Stress at the
Raft River Geothermal Field, Idaho, USA
- Bing Qiuyi Li,
- Mostafa Khoshmanesh,
- Jean-Philippe Avouac
Abstract
We investigate the relative importance of injection and production on
the spatial-temporal distribution of induced seismicity at the Raft
River geothermal field. We use time-series of inSAR measurements to
document surface deformation and calibrate a hydro-mechanical model to
estimate effective stress changes imparted by injection and production.
Seismicity, located predominantly in the basement, is induced primarily
by poroelastic stresses from cold water reinjection into a shallower
reservoir. The poroelastic effect of production from a deeper reservoir
is minimal and inconsistent with observed seismicity, as is
pore-pressure-diffusion in the basement and along reactivated faults. We
estimate an initial strength excess of 20kPa in the basement and
sedimentary cover, but the seismicity rate in the sedimentary cover is 4
times lower, reflecting lower density of seed-points for earthquake
nucleation. Our modeling workflow could be used to assess the impact of
fluid extraction or injection on seismicity and help design or guide
operations.