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Research Projects

Texas Seismicity Studies

Synopsis: Seismicity analysis of Texas Permian Basin/Panhandle and building of local seismic velocity model and magnitude calibration for Texas
Project Status: active
Funding Source: 100% TexNet
Research Leaders: Jake Walter, Cliff Frohlich, Alexandros Savvaidis
Project Start: 3Q2015

Ft. Worth Basin Earthquake Characterization

Synopsis: Seismicity detection and characterization of the Ft. Worth Basin
Project Status: active
Funding Source: 100% TexNet and other sources
Research Leaders: Heather DeShon, Cliff Frohlich
Project Start: 3Q2015

Hydrogeology: Fluid Budget Protocols, Data and Analysis

Synopsis: Develop methods, compilations and analyses of injected fluids within sedimentary basins of Texas beginning with the Ft. Worth Basin
Project Status: active
Funding Source: 100% TexNet
Research Leaders: JP Nicot, Casee Lemons, Peter Hennings
Project Start: 2Q2016

Faults and Geomodels

Synopsis: Develop 3D interpretations and characterizations and geomechanical assessment of faults within sedimentary basins of Texas beginning with the Ft. Worth Basin
Project Status: Active
Funding Source: 100% TexNet
Research Leaders: Peter Hennings, Johnathon Osmond, Robin Dommisse, Katie Smye, and Chris Zahm. 
Project Start: 3Q2016

Basin-Scale Assessment of Fault Reactivation and Seismicity Potential

Synopsis: Extend conventional probabilistic seismic hazard analysis methods to include geologically- and geomechanically-grounded deterministic information
Project Status: Begins January, 2017
Funding Source: 100% CISR IA
Research Leaders: Peter Eichhubl, Peter Hennings, Ellen Rathje
Project Start: 1Q2017

Geomechanics of Fault Reactivation

Synopsis: Conduct coupled thermo-poroelastic numerical simulations to assess the importance of key parameters in controlling fault reactivation using site-specific controls
Project Status: active
Funding Source: 100% TexNet
Research Leaders: Peter Eichhubl, Zhiqiang Fan
Project Start: 1Q2016

Pore Pressure Analysis of Ft. Worth Basin

Synopsis: Development of reservoir engineering fluid flow models at the basin scale with which to investigate the connectivity of injection intervals and pore pressure evolution and magnitude
Project Status: active
Funding Source: 100% TexNet
Research Leaders: Jon Olson, Valerie Gono, Rich Schultz
Project Start: 1Q2016

Theoretical Analysis of Controls on the Size Earthquakes Induced by Fluid Injection

Synopsis: Development of coupled geomechanics and reservoir engineering simulations that are able to assess the controls on fault rupture size and permeability evolution
Project Status: active
Funding Source: 100% TexNet
Research Leaders: Jon Olson, Mohsen Babazadeh, Rich Schultz
Project Start: 1Q2016

Coupled Fluid Flow and Geomechanical Modeling

Synopsis: Coupled Fluid Flow and Geomechanical Modeling to Examine Fault Activation and Induced Seismicity near Azle, Texas
Project Status: active
Funding Source: 100% TexNet
Research Leaders: Akhil Datta-Gupta, Jihoon Kim and Michael J. King (Texas A&M University)
Project Start: 2Q2016

Seismic Risk Social Science

Synopsis: Determine drivers governing stakeholder beliefs, information seeking mechanisms, and response regarding seismic risk and develop improved communication strategies
Project Status: Active
Funding Source: 100% CISR IA
Research Leaders: Mary Beth Deline, LeeAnn Kahlor, Art Markman, Hillary Olson
Project Start: 1Q2016

Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment - Shaking Intensity

Synopsis: Development of ground shaking data, relationships, and maps for earthquakes in Texas
Project Status: active
Funding Source: 100% CISR IA
Research Leaders: Ellen Rathje, George Zalachoris
Project Start: 1Q2016

Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment - Shear Wave Velocity Characterization

Synopsis: Acquisition and analysis of shear wave velocity throughout Texas and development of Vs30 maps for input into ground shaking models
Project Status: Active
Funding Source: 100% CISR IA
Research Leaders: Brady Cox, Ellen Rathje
Project Start: 3Q2016

Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment - Building Infrastructure

Synopsis: Assessment of seismic fragility of typical building infrastructure in north to be used to assess the potential for building damage from earthquakes
Project Status: proposed
Funding Source: 100% CISR IA
Research Leaders: Patricia Clayton, Ellen Rathje
Project Start: To be Determined

Multi-Institutional and Industrial Collaboration for Geomechanical and Seismicity Assessment of the Ft. Worth Basin

Synopsis: 7 project areas (tasks) that will provide a mechanistic understanding of seismicity in the FWB that can inform mitigation strategies
Project Status: Active
Funding Source: 100% CISR IA
Research Leaders: Multiple
Project Start: 3Q2016


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