Seismic Monitoring for CO2 Sequestration: A New Advanced Strategy

Advanced seismicity monitoring is needed for CO2 sequestration monitoring. Current regulator practices (so-called traffic light systems—TLS) are limited to mitigate public hazards and associated risks caused by induced seismicity. Such seismicity is often associated with slip on larger faults below the reservoir. We propose an advanced seismic monitoring strategy that not only accounts for felt seismicity but also targets seismicity in the seal and reservoir. This novel concept of tiered seismicity criteria for an advanced seismic monitoring strategy is governed by a storage site's specific geological properties (underburden, reservoir and seal). These observed seismicity criteria can be set by the regulator or operator to develop a corresponding and fit for purpose system that further manages induced seismicity to ensure seal integrity and storage longevity.