Insights into Induced Seismicity in the Duvernay East Shale Basin from 3D Seismic

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3D reflection seismic data are interpreted to study Hydraulic Fracturing-Induced Seismicity (HFIS) in the Duvernay East Shale Basin (ESB), revealing distinct geological scenarios that influenced seismicity. Though 3D seismic data fails to provide clear direct evidence for seismogenic faults, their presence is suggested by compelling indirect evidence in one case: a highly structured zone of subvertical faults associated with laterally limited reflectivity anomalies at multiple carbonate horizons upward through the Paleozoic succession, which we interpret to be fault-controlled diagenetic zones. Identifying distinct seismogenic scenarios within a local area demonstrates that careful examination of the subsurface, including intervals above and below the target reservoir, is required to understand the geological susceptibility to seismicity before commencing hydraulic fracturing operations at a new location.