Coastal & Marine Geology Program > Center for Coastal Studies > Subsidence and Fault Activation Project

Subsidence and Fault Activation Related to Fluid Energy Production, Gulf Coast Basin Project

Subsidence Related to Fluid Energy Production Home Introduction: Project Overview Investigators Research Objectives: Production Parameters Reservoir Parameters Framework Ground Characterization Geophysical Methods Land Loss Publications Project Contact: Bob Morton

Task 2: Analyze Reservoir Parameters of Selected Fields Objectives Investigate the relationships between production characteristics, subsidence, and land loss Evaluate the time tag between onset of production and first detection of subsidence Investigate if pressure maintenance programs and secondary recovery methods retard or enhance subsidence and faulting Evaluate the potential for regional subsurface depressurization Methods The purpose of this task is to evaluate time-dependent deformation behavior of rocks caused by reduced pore-fluid pressures. This can be accomplished by examining reservoir parameters that appear to be related to subsidence and fault activation and to test these concepts using control fields where subsidence has not been detected. Cumulative production (both liquids and gases), rates of fluid production, volume and rates of fluid injection, drive mechanisms, and rates of pressure decline in major reservoirs of selected large fields will be compared with associated rates of subsidence and fault movement so that these relationships can be quantified. Of particular interest are reservoir management practices as they relate to increased or decreased potential for subsidence. Volumetric data for the selected fields can be used to establish relationships among magnitude of subsidence, duration of production, rates of production, total volume of fluids extracted (oil, gas, water), and pressure histories so that preliminary estimates can be made regarding the potential extent of land loss around other fields. The time-series engineering analysis also includes examining concurrent or consecutive depletion of multiple reservoirs in pressure communication and surficial responses to greatly reduced pore pressures. « Production Parameters | Framework »

Coastal & Marine Geology Program > Center for Coastal Studies > Subsidence and Fault Activation Project

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Updated March 21, 2005 @ 03:30 PM (JSS)