METHOD FOR DETERMINING MAXIMUM HORIZONTAL STRESS MAGNITUDE AND DIRECTION IN A SUBSURFACE FORMATION

摘要

A method for determining maximum horizontal stress in a subsurface formation includes using recordings of seismic energy detected proximate the subsurface formation to determine hypocenters of microseismic events. A focal mechanism for each microseismic event is determined. A measurement corresponding to vertical stress magnitude at a depth of the subsurface formation is used to normalize horizontal stress magnitudes for formation depth. The focal mechanism is used to determine a maximum horizontal stress direction. A measurement corresponding to a depth normalized minimum horizontal stress magnitude and the focal mechanism are used to determine a depth normalized maximum horizontal stress magnitude.