Quantitative analysis of the structural controls of faults on induced seismicity magnitude

ended

FINSEIS is a global fellowship addressing the challenge of induced seismicity (IS) caused by human underground activities. The project will explore the original idea that the magnitude of fault-related IS is significantly controlled by the geometry of pre-existing faults, integrating structural geology rather than the different approaches used in previous studies. The project will be based on numerous, best-in-class IS data secured in the Microseismic Industry Consortium (MIC) in University of Alberta (UofA), Canada (Third Country Host) and will integrate advanced knowledge in fracture analysis from the Fault Analysis Group (FAG), University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland (Host). By combining interdisciplinary approaches of structural geology, seismology, statistics and computational science, the project aims to (1) identify the structural controls on the initiation and arrest of induced earthquakes; (2) deliver a unique empirical basis for IS that isolates the effect of fault geometry; (3) generate a model for fault controls on IS and for IS Mw prediction in faulted rocks. Through these objectives, FINSEIS will deliver fundamental scientific outcomes on the links between faults and seismicity and will de-risk strategic geo-energy developments in the European Union. The project will build on the fellow’s previous Post-doc collaborations with FAG and MIC, with the fellow’s research expertise in IS and fault analysis as pre-requisites for the project. During FINSEIS, the fellow will transfer FAG knowledge in structural geology to MIC, and then return knowledge in IS analysis that are strategic to FAG and to Europe. In turn, the project will provide the fellow with a unique profile as a world leader in structural analysis of IS, with international visibility, an excellent record of publications, and broad connections. Furthermore, the fellow will reinforce and widen his complementary skills which will greatly improve its employability in academia and beyond.