Research Scope
Scopes
The research scope of C-DAPS encompasses a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary spectrum that bridges advanced geophysics with practical reservoir engineering. This includes foundational investigations into microseismicity and induced seismicity mitigation, alongside coupled geomechanical and geologic flow simulations. Additionally, the scope extends to fracture characterization, statistical seismic hazard analyses, and well performance optimization to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.
Strengths
The primary strength of C-DAPS lies in its ability to combine physics-based data analytics and machine learning with cutting-edge observation technologies. The consortium excels in deploying advanced distributed fiber-optic sensing and satellite-based InSAR to measure surface displacements and map underground rock deformations. This powerful integration provides industry partners with high-efficiency diagnostic surveillance, allowing them to proactively manage risk and accurately characterize complex subsurface fractures.
Impacts
We have safeguarded C$20M+ in funding over the past decade and a half, including the NSERC Synergy Award, NSERC Alliance Grants, and Emission Reduction Alberta, among others. With 280+ conference presentations and 190+ highly cited journal articles, C-DaPS has trained 180+ highly qualified personnel from over 33 countries. In 2019, the Consortium received the NSERC Synergy Award in recognition of its successful contributions to geophysics.
Key Research Themes:
A core research area of the Consortium since its inception, with particular emphasis on acquisition, processing and interpretation of microseismic data (borehole and surface)
Understand, manage, and mitigate human-induced earthquakes that are potentially felt at the surface.
Statistical assessment of natural and induced seismicity potential, as well as identification of potential causes and consequences of felt seismicity.
Integration of flow/pressure/stress data for fracture characterization; assessment of casing deformation and fault reactivation potential; coupled geomechanics and flow simulations.
Geologic factors determining susceptibility to anomalous induced seismicity and desired microseismicity.
Correlate inferred/observed fracture characteristics with production and engineering data to enhance hydrocarbon recovery and optimize well performance
Diagnostic fracture surveillance at a wide range of frequencies: frac hits, microseismicity, and perforation performance monitoring.
Measurement of surface displacements to map underground rock deformations including earthquakes and aseismic, bedding-plane slip.
Effective and efficient analysis of geological, geophysical, production and engineering data using statistical and physics-based approaches.