Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics
Shale Gas, Tight Oil, and Induced Seismicity

A comprehensive overview of key geologic, geomechanical and engineering principles that govern the development of unconventional oil and gas reservoirs.

Mark D. Zoback (Author), Arjun H. Kohli (Author)

9781107087071, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 May 2019

492 pages, 273 b/w illus. 30 maps 19 tables
25.5 x 18 x 2.4 cm, 1.14 kg

'This book is a comprehensive reference and text for unconventional reservoir geomechanics and represents learnings from 11 years of research on the topic at Stanford University. It is state of the art and up to date with current industry practice and the latest research in the field. The book serves as the text for an edX Stanford Online course that I had the pleasure of auditing. The edX course was great, and it followed the book closely, with the authors as lecturers. There is also a reservoir geomechanics edX course that follows Zoback's previous textbook. I recommend both courses and both books. This is a well-illustrated and readable textbook with real-world examples. It is well suited for students, an excellent introduction for those new to the field, and a great reference for researchers and professionals.' Dimitri Bevc, The Leading Edge, Society of Exploration Geophysicists

Since the beginning of the US shale gas revolution in 2005, the development of unconventional oil and gas resources has gathered tremendous pace around the world. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the key geologic, geophysical, and engineering principles that govern the development of unconventional reservoirs. The book begins with a detailed characterization of unconventional reservoir rocks: their composition and microstructure, mechanical properties, and the processes controlling fault slip and fluid flow. A discussion of geomechanical principles follows, including the state of stress, pore pressure, and the importance of fractures and faults. After reviewing the fundamentals of horizontal drilling, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, and stimulation of slip on pre-existing faults, the key factors impacting hydrocarbon production are explored. The final chapters cover environmental impacts and how to mitigate hazards associated with induced seismicity. This text provides an essential overview for students, researchers, and industry professionals interested in unconventional reservoirs.

Part I. Physical Properties of Unconventional Reservoirs: 1. Introduction
2. Composition, fabric, elastic properties and anisotropy
3. Strength and ductility
4. Frictional properties
5. Pore networks and pore fluids
6. Flow and sorption
7. Stress, pore pressure, fractures and faults
Part II. Stimulating Production from Unconventional Rservoirs: 8. Horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing
9. Reservoir seismology
10. Induced shear slip during hydraulic fracturing
11. Geomechanics and stimulation optimization
12. Production and depletion
Part III. Environmental Impacts and Induced Seismicity: 13. Environmental impacts and induced seismicity
14. Managing the risk of injection-induced seismicity
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Hydraulic engineering [TNF], Petroleum technology [THFP], Volcanology & seismology [RBC], Geophysics [PHVG], Petroleum & oil industries [KNBP]