The Potential of Large-N Passive Seismology to Image Meter Scale Variations in Reservoir Heterogeneity

Shallow and deep geothermal resources require reliable reservoir characterisation. Given that both P-wave and S-wave velocity can be related to reservoir properties we demonstrate, using a unique survey acquired in the UK using STRYDE nodes, the potential for passive seismic tomography to characterise meter scale reservoir heterogeneity.

This first-of-a-kind processing of a large-N passive seismic survey in the UK demonstrates, using the dispersive nature of surface waves, that complex variations in seismic velocity can be resolved at the meter scale without the need for active seismic sources.

Authors: M.Ireland, C.Dunham (Newcastle University), N.Tranter (STRYDE).