Seismic stimulation is a proposed enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique which uses seismic energy to increase oil production. As part of an integrated research effort (theory, lab and field studies), LBNL has been measuring the seismic amplitude of various stimulation sources in various oil fields (Majer, et al., 2006, Roberts, et al., 2001, Daley et al., 1999). The amplitude of the seismic waves generated by a stimulation source is an important parameter for increased oil mobility in both theoretical models and laboratory core studies. The seismic amplitude, typically in units of seismic strain, can be measured in-situ by use of a borehole seismometer (geophone). Measuring the distribution of amplitudes within a reservoir could allow improved design of stimulation source deployment. In March, 2007, we provided in-field monitoring of two stimulation sources operating in Occidental (Oxy) Permian Ltd's South Wasson Clear Fork (SWCU) unit, located near Denver City, Tx. The stimulation source is a downhole fluid pulsation device developed by Applied Seismic Research Corp. (ASR). Our monitoring used a borehole wall-locking 3-component geophone operating in two nearby wells.

In this paper, we present progress made in a study aimed at increasing the understanding of the relative contributions of different mechanisms that may be causing the seismicity occurring at The Geysers geothermal field, California. The approach we take is to integrate: (1) coupled reservoir geomechanical numerical modeling, (2) data from recently upgraded and expanded NCPA/Calpine/LBNL seismic arrays, and (3) tens of years of archival InSAR data from monthly satellite passes. We have conducted a coupled reservoir geomechanical analysis to study potential mechanisms induced by steam production. Our simulation results corroborate co-locations of hypocenter field observations of induced seismicity and their correlation with steam production as reported in the literature. Seismic and InSAR data are being collected and processed for use in constraining the coupled reservoir geomechanical model.