Reservoir compaction and land subsidence
G. Gambolati, M. Ferronato, P. Teatini
Dept. Mathematical Methods and Models for Scientific
Applications, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
ABSTRACT
Subsurface hydrocarbon removal induces a reservoir compaction that migrates to
the ground surface and causes the land to subside. While compaction depends
primarily on the fluid pore pressure drawdown, the thickness and the mechanical
compressibility of the depleted formation, the amount of compaction reaching
the surface depends on the depth and size of the producing field and the
stiffness of the overburden. This paper presents a list of the most famed
sites worldwide that have experienced anthropogenic land subsidence because
of underground fluid withdrawal and reviews the basic mechanisms controlling
the reservoir compaction and the related ground settlement. Finally, some
mathematical models, that can be effectively used to simulate and predict the
occurrence, and the most recent techniques for accurately and timely measuring
and monitoring the deep compaction and the land surface displacements are
described.
