Microseismic Arrays (MSAs)

Enhanced geothermal systems use well stimulation and hydroshearing technology to improve geothermal reservoirs.

The hydroshearing process creates movement and sound in the rock, resulting in microseismicity. The opening and growth of fractures during stimulation is mapped by real-time measurement of the microseismicity. Using a micro-seismic array (MSA), AltaRock’s engineers and geologists closely monitor the stimulation process. Data gathered by the MSA is used to map the fracture network and generate a microseismic event map around the well bore. Micro-seismic event maps reveal the size, location and orientation of the fracture system, and are used to track and quantify reservoir growth.

Collecting MSA data: each seismometer in the MSA is connected to a digitizer and recording device inside a protective box. The white GPS antenna provides accurate time data, and a cellphone antenna transmits micro-seismic data to our servers and scientists in real-time. All of this is powered by solar panels attached to nearby trees. The Newberry EGS Demonstration project’s MSA has made Newberry Volcano one of most monitored volcanoes in North America, and provides data not only to AltaRock staff, but also the US Geological Survey, Pacific Northwest Seismic Network and the public via www.pnsn.org/volcanoes/newberry.

Collecting MSA data: each seismometer in the MSA is connected to a digitizer and recording device inside a protective box. The white GPS antenna provides accurate time data, and a cellphone antenna transmits  data in real-time.

AltaRock deploys a state of the art micro-seismic array (MSA) of highly sensitive seismometers prior to EGS reservoir stimulation. The seismometers (pictured here) are used to map very tiny earthquakes, or micro-seismic events, in the subsurface during stimulation. Real-time data from the MSA is used to map reservoir development and ensure environmental and public safety during and after stimulation.

Microseismic array seismometers are used to map very tiny earthquakes, or microseismic events, in the subsurface during stimulation. Real-time data from the MSA is used to map reservoir development and ensure environmental and public safety during and after stimulation.

 

Top