Optimized Positioning of Geothermal Boreholes Reduces Seismicity

KIT Researchers Study the Role of Stress Changes under Induced Seismicity

When constructing geothermal systems for the extraction of heat from underground hot water reservoirs, optimal positioning of the boreholes can considerably reduce seismicity. This is the result of induced seismicity studies by scientists of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). Induced seismicity means shocks caused by human activities. Based on the change of water pressure in the rock (pore pressure) and the mechanical stresses in the rock, the researchers modeled changes of the stress field as a result of the injection and extraction of fluids, e.g. gases or liquids. This is reported in the journal ERDÖL ERDGAS KOHLE. (DOI: 10.19225/180106)

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Press Release 028/2018
KIT Energy Center

or, 15.03.2018