Inexpensive, Automated Micro-Earthquake Data Collection and Processing System for Rapid, High-Resolution Reservoir Analysis

Abstract

We present an inexpensive, automated micro-earthquake data collection and processing system that provides the ability to quickly and simply perform high-resolution micro-earthquake source parameter and tomographic inversion studies. Such information provides the basis for reservoir analysis. The easily deployable nature of our system allows for potential large-scale assessment of resources in regions throughout the world. Further, the system’s low hardware cost, simple operation, and automation make it attractive to small companies and developing countries with little money and few trained personnel to process and analyze data. The system includes: (1) an inexpensive micro-earthquake recorder that requires very little time and no technician input to install, (2) an automated data processing program to manage data, one that requires merely placing flash memory chips (or telemetry) into a computer, (3) automated creation of meta-data that provides preliminary earthquake locations, moments, magnitudes, and input files for tomography and earthquake source studies, and (4) an interactive program for testing micro-earthquake network designs for accuracy and resolution. Final analysis requires a trained professional to obtain reliable results, including final source parameters, 3D-velocity structure (Vp and Vs), and 3D-attenuation structure (Qp and Qs). These results are arranged into input files that enable VisIt visualization software to carry out GUI analysis. This data analysis is intended for use in reservoir monitoring and near-real-time modeling of reservoir properties. A companion paper, Bonner et al., (2011), describes how this information is used, along with the rock physics necessary to interpret reservoir properties.