Method for determining formation stress field using microseismic focal mechanisms and applications therefor to predict reservoir formation response before during and after hydraulic fracturing

Abstract

A method for estimating a fluid pressure required to stimulate a subsurface formation includes using seismic signals detected by a plurality of seismic sensors disposed proximate the subsurface formation. Spatial positions and times of origin ('hypocenters') of each of a plurality of microseismic events induced by pumping fluid into the subsurface formation are estimated. Magnitudes and directions of principal stresses are estimated from the hypocenters and from amplitude and phase of the detected seismic signals for each of the microseismic events. Shear and normal stresses of induced fractures are from the estimated principal stresses. A fluid pressure required to cause formation failure on each fracture is estimated using the estimated shear and normal stresses.