Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning

Beiyuan Liang; Jianli Wang

doi:doi:10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11

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Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning

Beiyuan Liang, Jianli Wang^*

Published in Science Discovery (Volume 13, Issue 3)

Received: 23 March 2025 Accepted: 27 April 2025 Published: 14 May 2025

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Abstract

The current situation of microseismic monitoring at home and abroad is not optimistic. The principles, data acquisition, data processing, and intepretation of many monitoring methods are far from the requirements of microseismic monitoring characteristics, and far from the level of analyzing specific microseismicity. We argue that the main technical reason for this situation is still the lack of understanding of microseismic characteristics and the corresponding monitoring characteristics, so that the development and application of microseismic monitoring are not based on strict seismology, geology, rock mechanics, a large number of reliable experiments, and mathematical statistics. Microseismic monitoring is even more difficult than monitoring stealth aircraft and navigators, in which the target and detector are separated by fluid, and there is always some way to test them. This paper first summarizes the characteristics of microseismic and its monitoring. Based on this, as well as the most basic requirements of seismometry, various monitoring methods are discussed, including their applicable conditions, limitations and development prospects. This discussion shows that the development and application of microseismic monitoring have to be based on the reality of low signal-to-noise ratio, even after avoiding strong noise sources as much as possible during data acquisition and effectively denoising during processing. This paper then reports that in the past two to three years, following the review ("Microseismic and its monitoring") in January 2023, our Vector Scanning (VS) for microseismic ground monitoring has been greatly improved, including an in-depth understanding of the VS principles, the refinement of the conditions necessary for the success of the VS application with a high probability, and their quantitative integration in the VS automated process of data processing and interpretation. A large number of cases are available for mathematical statistics, which provide a basis for analyzing the details of microseismicity. Finally, we describe the specific morphology of the Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) induced by fracturing, the relationship between the corresponding deformation and the stress fields (equivalent microseismic focal mechanism), and the effect of production measures such as pump shutdown. The necessary conditions, monitoring output patterns, some analyses and questions described here also provide a basis for the test of the microseismic monitoring.

Published in	Science Discovery (Volume 13, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11
Page(s)	39-45
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Microseismic, Monitoring, Situation, Vector-scanning, Unconventional

References

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[2]	梁北援, 王建立. 2017. 对微地震监测的最大挑战: 目标特性不明 [J]. 科学技术与工程. 18(13): 14-21.
[3]	Feng Y., Liang B., and Wang W. 2022. Monitoring for microseismicity induced by goaf collapse at coal mine. EAGE, Near Surface Geoscience Conference & Exhibition 2022, Geophysical Methods in Mining Engineering [C]. Paper number 53. Belgrade, Serbia.
[4]	Liang B., Guo B. Statistics in Vector Scanning for Microseismic [C]. 2023. EAGE 5th Petroleum Geostatics, Paper number 15, Porto, Portugal.
[5]	Wu Gang, Cai Jiang, Zhao Yewei, et al. 2024. Ground monitoring for fracturing microseismic of two ultra-deep wells [C]. SEG 1st Tarim Ultra-Deep Oil & Gas Exploration Technology Workshop. 2024-UD-06X-OR-080. Korla, China.
[6]	Maxwell S. 2014. Microseismic imaging of hydraulic fracturing: Improved Engineering of unconventional shale reservoirs. Distinguished instructor short course [M]. SEG.
[7]	梁兵, 朱广生编著. 2004. 油气田勘探开发中的微震监测方法 [M]. 北京: 石油工业出版社.
[8]	陈明, 孙龙飞, 石元宝等. 2025. 向量扫描微地震监测中的数理统计 [J]. 科学技术与工程, 2025.
[9]	Aki K, Richards P.G. 1980. Quantitative Seismology: Theory and Methods [M]. W. H. Freeman and Company.
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[13]	Robinson E. A., and Treitel S. 2000. Geophysical signal processing [M]: SEG.
[14]	冯彦军，梁北援. 2023. 基于向量扫描法的微地震震级确定方法 [J]. 地震科学进展, 53(3) 115-119.
[15]	Peterson, R., S. Wolhart, and K.H. Frohne, 1996. Fracture diagnostics research at the GRI/DOE multi-site Project: Overview of the concept and results [C]: Paper SPE 36449, Presented at the 1996 Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition.
[16]	Maxwell S, T. Urbancic, and S. Falls et al. 2000. Real-time microseismic mapping of hydraulic fracturing in Carthage [C], Texas: Abst. 70th Ann. Internat. Mtg 2000, SEG.
[17]	Maxwell, S. et al. 2010. Passive seismic and surface monitoring of geomechanical deformation associated with steam injection: In “Heavy Oil. Reservoir Characterization and Production Monitoring [C], SEG, 293-300.
[18]	Rutledge, J., and W. Phillips. 2003. Hydraulic stimulation of natural fractures as revealed by induced microearthquakes, Carthage Cotton Valley gas field, east Taxes [J]. Geophysics. 68, No. 2, 441-452.
[19]	Belayouni N., A. Gesret, G. Daniel, and L. Nobel. 2015. Microseismic event location using the first and reflected arrivals [J]. Geophysics, 80, No. 6, WC133-WC143.
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APA Style

Liang, B., Wang, J. (2025). Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning. Science Discovery, 13(3), 39-45. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11

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ACS Style

Liang, B.; Wang, J. Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning. Sci. Discov. 2025, 13(3), 39-45. doi: 10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11

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AMA Style

Liang B, Wang J. Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning. Sci Discov. 2025;13(3):39-45. doi: 10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11

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@article{10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11,
  author = {Beiyuan Liang and Jianli Wang},
  title = {Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning
},
  journal = {Science Discovery},
  volume = {13},
  number = {3},
  pages = {39-45},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sd.20251303.11},
  abstract = {The current situation of microseismic monitoring at home and abroad is not optimistic. The principles, data acquisition, data processing, and intepretation of many monitoring methods are far from the requirements of microseismic monitoring characteristics, and far from the level of analyzing specific microseismicity. We argue that the main technical reason for this situation is still the lack of understanding of microseismic characteristics and the corresponding monitoring characteristics, so that the development and application of microseismic monitoring are not based on strict seismology, geology, rock mechanics, a large number of reliable experiments, and mathematical statistics. Microseismic monitoring is even more difficult than monitoring stealth aircraft and navigators, in which the target and detector are separated by fluid, and there is always some way to test them. This paper first summarizes the characteristics of microseismic and its monitoring. Based on this, as well as the most basic requirements of seismometry, various monitoring methods are discussed, including their applicable conditions, limitations and development prospects. This discussion shows that the development and application of microseismic monitoring have to be based on the reality of low signal-to-noise ratio, even after avoiding strong noise sources as much as possible during data acquisition and effectively denoising during processing. This paper then reports that in the past two to three years, following the review ("Microseismic and its monitoring") in January 2023, our Vector Scanning (VS) for microseismic ground monitoring has been greatly improved, including an in-depth understanding of the VS principles, the refinement of the conditions necessary for the success of the VS application with a high probability, and their quantitative integration in the VS automated process of data processing and interpretation. A large number of cases are available for mathematical statistics, which provide a basis for analyzing the details of microseismicity. Finally, we describe the specific morphology of the Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) induced by fracturing, the relationship between the corresponding deformation and the stress fields (equivalent microseismic focal mechanism), and the effect of production measures such as pump shutdown. The necessary conditions, monitoring output patterns, some analyses and questions described here also provide a basis for the test of the microseismic monitoring.
},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning

AU  - Beiyuan Liang
AU  - Jianli Wang
Y1  - 2025/05/14
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11
T2  - Science Discovery
JF  - Science Discovery
JO  - Science Discovery
SP  - 39
EP  - 45
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2331-0650
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11
AB  - The current situation of microseismic monitoring at home and abroad is not optimistic. The principles, data acquisition, data processing, and intepretation of many monitoring methods are far from the requirements of microseismic monitoring characteristics, and far from the level of analyzing specific microseismicity. We argue that the main technical reason for this situation is still the lack of understanding of microseismic characteristics and the corresponding monitoring characteristics, so that the development and application of microseismic monitoring are not based on strict seismology, geology, rock mechanics, a large number of reliable experiments, and mathematical statistics. Microseismic monitoring is even more difficult than monitoring stealth aircraft and navigators, in which the target and detector are separated by fluid, and there is always some way to test them. This paper first summarizes the characteristics of microseismic and its monitoring. Based on this, as well as the most basic requirements of seismometry, various monitoring methods are discussed, including their applicable conditions, limitations and development prospects. This discussion shows that the development and application of microseismic monitoring have to be based on the reality of low signal-to-noise ratio, even after avoiding strong noise sources as much as possible during data acquisition and effectively denoising during processing. This paper then reports that in the past two to three years, following the review ("Microseismic and its monitoring") in January 2023, our Vector Scanning (VS) for microseismic ground monitoring has been greatly improved, including an in-depth understanding of the VS principles, the refinement of the conditions necessary for the success of the VS application with a high probability, and their quantitative integration in the VS automated process of data processing and interpretation. A large number of cases are available for mathematical statistics, which provide a basis for analyzing the details of microseismicity. Finally, we describe the specific morphology of the Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) induced by fracturing, the relationship between the corresponding deformation and the stress fields (equivalent microseismic focal mechanism), and the effect of production measures such as pump shutdown. The necessary conditions, monitoring output patterns, some analyses and questions described here also provide a basis for the test of the microseismic monitoring.

VL  - 13
IS  - 3
ER  -

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Author Information

Beiyuan Liang

GeoImage LLC, San Francisco, USA

Contact Email
Jianli Wang

Youyou (Shaanxi) Energy Technology, Xi’an, China; Co-Sail Petroleum Technology, Beijing, China

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APA Style

Liang, B., Wang, J. (2025). Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning. Science Discovery, 13(3), 39-45. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Liang, B.; Wang, J. Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning. Sci. Discov. 2025, 13(3), 39-45. doi: 10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11

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AMA Style

Liang B, Wang J. Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning. Sci Discov. 2025;13(3):39-45. doi: 10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11,
  author = {Beiyuan Liang and Jianli Wang},
  title = {Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning
},
  journal = {Science Discovery},
  volume = {13},
  number = {3},
  pages = {39-45},
  doi = {10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.sd.20251303.11},
  abstract = {The current situation of microseismic monitoring at home and abroad is not optimistic. The principles, data acquisition, data processing, and intepretation of many monitoring methods are far from the requirements of microseismic monitoring characteristics, and far from the level of analyzing specific microseismicity. We argue that the main technical reason for this situation is still the lack of understanding of microseismic characteristics and the corresponding monitoring characteristics, so that the development and application of microseismic monitoring are not based on strict seismology, geology, rock mechanics, a large number of reliable experiments, and mathematical statistics. Microseismic monitoring is even more difficult than monitoring stealth aircraft and navigators, in which the target and detector are separated by fluid, and there is always some way to test them. This paper first summarizes the characteristics of microseismic and its monitoring. Based on this, as well as the most basic requirements of seismometry, various monitoring methods are discussed, including their applicable conditions, limitations and development prospects. This discussion shows that the development and application of microseismic monitoring have to be based on the reality of low signal-to-noise ratio, even after avoiding strong noise sources as much as possible during data acquisition and effectively denoising during processing. This paper then reports that in the past two to three years, following the review ("Microseismic and its monitoring") in January 2023, our Vector Scanning (VS) for microseismic ground monitoring has been greatly improved, including an in-depth understanding of the VS principles, the refinement of the conditions necessary for the success of the VS application with a high probability, and their quantitative integration in the VS automated process of data processing and interpretation. A large number of cases are available for mathematical statistics, which provide a basis for analyzing the details of microseismicity. Finally, we describe the specific morphology of the Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) induced by fracturing, the relationship between the corresponding deformation and the stress fields (equivalent microseismic focal mechanism), and the effect of production measures such as pump shutdown. The necessary conditions, monitoring output patterns, some analyses and questions described here also provide a basis for the test of the microseismic monitoring.
},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Current Situation of Microseismic Monitoring and Vector Scanning

AU  - Beiyuan Liang
AU  - Jianli Wang
Y1  - 2025/05/14
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11
T2  - Science Discovery
JF  - Science Discovery
JO  - Science Discovery
SP  - 39
EP  - 45
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2331-0650
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.sd.20251303.11
AB  - The current situation of microseismic monitoring at home and abroad is not optimistic. The principles, data acquisition, data processing, and intepretation of many monitoring methods are far from the requirements of microseismic monitoring characteristics, and far from the level of analyzing specific microseismicity. We argue that the main technical reason for this situation is still the lack of understanding of microseismic characteristics and the corresponding monitoring characteristics, so that the development and application of microseismic monitoring are not based on strict seismology, geology, rock mechanics, a large number of reliable experiments, and mathematical statistics. Microseismic monitoring is even more difficult than monitoring stealth aircraft and navigators, in which the target and detector are separated by fluid, and there is always some way to test them. This paper first summarizes the characteristics of microseismic and its monitoring. Based on this, as well as the most basic requirements of seismometry, various monitoring methods are discussed, including their applicable conditions, limitations and development prospects. This discussion shows that the development and application of microseismic monitoring have to be based on the reality of low signal-to-noise ratio, even after avoiding strong noise sources as much as possible during data acquisition and effectively denoising during processing. This paper then reports that in the past two to three years, following the review ("Microseismic and its monitoring") in January 2023, our Vector Scanning (VS) for microseismic ground monitoring has been greatly improved, including an in-depth understanding of the VS principles, the refinement of the conditions necessary for the success of the VS application with a high probability, and their quantitative integration in the VS automated process of data processing and interpretation. A large number of cases are available for mathematical statistics, which provide a basis for analyzing the details of microseismicity. Finally, we describe the specific morphology of the Stimulated Rock Volume (SRV) induced by fracturing, the relationship between the corresponding deformation and the stress fields (equivalent microseismic focal mechanism), and the effect of production measures such as pump shutdown. The necessary conditions, monitoring output patterns, some analyses and questions described here also provide a basis for the test of the microseismic monitoring.

VL  - 13
IS  - 3
ER  -

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