MICROSEISMIC
Microseismic fracture mapping provides an image of the fractures by detecting microseisms or micro-earthquakes that are triggered by shear slippage on bedding planes or natural fractures adjacent to the hydraulic fracture. The location of the Microseismic events is obtained using a downhole receiver array that is positioned at the depth of the fracture in an offset wellbore. Additionally, Microseismic mapping can now be performed in the treatment well in cases where suitable offset monitoring wellbores are not available.

Microseismic fracture mapping is also employed to improve production economics by increasing reservoir productivity and/or reducing completion costs. Results from microseismic fracture mapping can be used to "calibrate" fracture growth models such as FracproPT.

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