ELSWORTH , D.

Anthropogenic fluid injections are known to induce earthquakes. The mechanisms involved are poorly understood, and our ability to assess the seismic hazard associated with geothermal energy or unconventional hydrocarbon production remains limited. We directly measure fault slip and seismicity induced by fluid injection into a natural fault. We...

We show results of slow slip (1-to-10 micrometers/seconds) activations along faults in carbonates and in shales using a hydromechanical in situ testing method. A controlled step-rate injection of a given water volume is conducted between two inflatable packers in an uncased borehole, to produce elastic and inelastic deformations of the...

Key questions in fault reactivation in shales relate to the potential for enhanced fluid transport through previously low-permeability aseismic formations. Here we explore the behavior of a 20 m long N0-to-170°, 75-to-80°W fault in shales that is critically stressed under a strike-slip regime (σ1 = 4 ± 2 MPa, horizontal and N162° ± 15°E,...