The Development of Stress Measurement in Rock (cluster 22 - seismic indicator)
One of the most important factors in hydraulic fracturing technology is the consideration of stresses deep within rocks, and how they might relate to the tectonic profile of a potential drill site. Geologists have long known that stresses deep underground lead to earthquakes, but it is only relatively recently that scientists have started studying how the stresses of hydraulic fracturing might contribute to these stresses. In some cases, the science of hydraulic fracturing can contribute
to tectonics, as well. Haimson (1978) suggests a way to use hydraulic
fracturing to take stress measurements deep underground. This method,
he claims, is easier and cheaper than previously-used methods.
Studies of the tectonics of East Asia have contributed greatly to our understanding. East Asia, especially Korea and Japan, are extremely tectonically active. Understanding how these areas formed, from the early sedimentary deposits to the later volcanic deformations (Chough, 2000), can inform understandings of the stresses these areas are under. Haimson's technique has actually allowed for a wide sampling of stress measurements in the Korean peninsula. In this cluster of research papers, we see how hydraulic fracturing can actually contribute to geologic research, while geologic research makes fracturing possible.
Studies of the tectonics of East Asia have contributed greatly to our understanding. East Asia, especially Korea and Japan, are extremely tectonically active. Understanding how these areas formed, from the early sedimentary deposits to the later volcanic deformations (Chough, 2000), can inform understandings of the stresses these areas are under. Haimson's technique has actually allowed for a wide sampling of stress measurements in the Korean peninsula. In this cluster of research papers, we see how hydraulic fracturing can actually contribute to geologic research, while geologic research makes fracturing possible.
Significant Papers
- Chough, S., S.-T Kwon, J.-H Ree, D.K. Choi. Tectonic and sedimentary evolution of the Korean peninsula: a review and new view, Earth-Science Reviews, Volume 52, Issues 1–3, November 2000, Pages 175-235, ISSN 0012-8252, 10.1016/S0012-8252(00)00029-5.
- Haimson, B. The hydrofracturing stress measuring method and recent field results, International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences & Geomechanics Abstracts, Volume 15, Issue 4, August 1978, Pages 167-178, ISSN 0148-9062, 10.1016/0148-9062(78)91223-8.
- Ito, T., K. Evans, K. Kawai, K. Hayashi. Hydraulic fracture reopening pressure and the estimation of maximum horizontal stress, International Journal of Rock Mechanics and Mining Sciences, Volume 36, Issue 6, September 1999, Pages 811-826, ISSN 1365-1609, 10.1016/S0148-9062(99)00053-4.
- Kyung, J., K. Oike, T. Hori. Temporal variations in seismic and volcanic activity and relationship with stress fields in East Asia, Tectonophysics, Volume 267, Issues 1–4, 30 December 1996, Pages 331-342, ISSN 0040-1951, 10.1016/S0040-1951(96)00068-6.