Far-field diversion with pulsed proppant in subterranean fracturing operations

Abstract

Systems and methods that use far-field diverting agents and proppant pulsing to enhance fracture geometries in far field areas of a subterranean formation are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: introducing into a well bore penetrating a portion of a subterranean formation alternating stages of a proppant-carrying fracturing fluid comprising a plurality of proppant particulates, and a clean fracturing fluid comprising a lesser concentration of proppant particulates than the proppant-carrying fracturing fluid, wherein the alternating stages of the proppant-carrying fracturing fluid and the clean fracturing fluid are introduced into the well bore at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation; and introducing a diverting agent into the well bore during one or more of the alternating stages of proppant-carrying fracturing fluid and clean fracturing fluid.