Seismic Monitoring - CCUS Terms

Description:
Seismic Monitoring is the use of seismic waves to detect and monitor changes in subsurface geological formations. It involves the generation and measurement of seismic waves to map subsurface structures and detect movements or changes caused by activities such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) injection.

Explanation:
In the context of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), seismic monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safe and effective storage of CO₂ in underground geological formations. Here’s how seismic monitoring works and its importance within the broader CCUS framework:

• Carbon Capture. While not directly involved in the capture of CO2, seismic monitoring is crucial in the pre-selection and ongoing evaluation of suitable storage sites to ensure they can securely contain the captured CO2 over long periods.
• Utilization. During CO2 utilization processes, such as in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), seismic monitoring can help optimize CO2 injection by providing data on how CO2 behaves within the reservoir, which can improve oil recovery rates and ensure the safety of the operation.
• Storage. Seismic monitoring is crucial for ensuring storage integrity in CO₂ storage projects, as it helps detect any signs of geological disturbance or leakage paths that could compromise the containment of CO₂. It tracks the migration of the CO₂ plume within the geological formation to verify that it remains within the designated boundaries and behaves as expected. Additionally, seismic monitoring ensures that the cap rock, the impermeable layer above the reservoir that prevents CO₂ from escaping, remains intact.

Advantages:
Seismic monitoring offers significant advantages for climate change mitigation by ensuring the secure storage of CO₂ and preventing its release into the atmosphere, thereby supporting international climate goals and commitments like the Paris Agreement. It enhances safety and reliability by providing real-time data on the subsurface behavior of CO₂ storage sites, reducing risks associated with CO₂ storage and building public trust in CCUS technologies. Additionally, clear and transparent monitoring processes facilitated by seismic monitoring help build public trust and acceptance of CCUS projects, ensuring community support and participation in CO₂ storage initiatives.

Challenges:
Implementing seismic monitoring technologies can be technically complex and require significant expertise, making it crucial that these monitoring processes are based on sound science and engineering principles for success. Securing sufficient funding and resources for seismic monitoring projects can be challenging, necessitating adequate investment for the success of these initiatives. Additionally, navigating regulatory requirements and market barriers can be difficult, highlighting the need for clear and supportive policies to foster the development and deployment of seismic monitoring technologies.

In summary, Seismic Monitoring is essential for promoting the development and deployment of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage technologies. By providing continuous oversight of CO₂ storage sites, it helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.