Multiple induced seismicity mechanisms at Castor underground gas storage illustrate the need for thorough monitoring

A recent publication by Cesca et al.1 reanalyzes and expands seismic data to identify hypocenters of observed seismicity induced by the Castor Underground Gas Storage (UGS) operations. Their results confirm those of previous studies2,3 that earthquakes occurred below the storage formation on a fault...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Vilarrasa, Víctor, De Simone, Silvia, Carrera, Jesús, Villaseñor, Antonio
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2022
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:digital.csic.es:10261/274760
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/274760
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Induced Seismicity
Gas storage
Castor underground gas storage
Descripción
Sumario:A recent publication by Cesca et al.1 reanalyzes and expands seismic data to identify hypocenters of observed seismicity induced by the Castor Underground Gas Storage (UGS) operations. Their results confirm those of previous studies2,3 that earthquakes occurred below the storage formation on a fault dipping opposite from the Amposta fault, which bounds the reservoir. However, two important sets of disagreements require revising the conclusions by Cesca et al.1: the depth of hypocenters and the processes leading to seismicity. Inaccurate estimates of hypocenters location and partial consideration of the physical mechanisms that induce seismicity may imply endangering future deep underground projects.