Center for Modeling of Coupled Subsurface Dynamics (CSD)
NORSAR is a partner in the CSD research center, which studies how the subsurface is deformed as a result of injection and production of fluids.
Project details
Status: Ongoing
Project period: 2020 - 2024
Funding source: VISTA program (Equinor og Det Norske Videnskaps-Akademi), RCN, EU, ERC and UiB
Project manager: Prof. Inga Berre, University of Bergen (UiB)
Partners: NORSAR, 12 International partners and 7 industry partners
Center for Modeling of Coupled Subsurface Dynamics (CSD) is led by the University of Bergen and aims to develop fundame.ntal knowledge to understand how fluid injection and extraction beneath the Earth's surface, such as in hydrocarbon and geothermal energy production, CO2 storage, and wastewater disposal, lead to deformation as well as fault reactivation and fracturing. The center focuses on critical and fundamental research questions through mathematical and numerical modeling and data analysis.
Microseismicity occurs during fluid extraction and injection in the subsurface. Although most of these earthquakes are too small to be felt, they provide important information about the subsurface stress field and fracture systems. NORSAR analyzes 15 years of microseismicity and production data from the Coso Geothermal Field in California, USA, to gain insights into the stress field and key fluid flows. By investigating the interaction between fluid injection, extraction, and earthquakes, this project can help reduce risks in geothermal operations and guide operators in selecting future drilling locations to optimize productivity.
