A feasibility study of time-lapse seismic monitoring of CO2 sequestration in a layered basalt reservoir

We investigate the potential of scattered seismic waves to remotely sense geological sequestration of CO2 in basalt. Numerical studies in horizontally layered models suggest that strong scattering quickly complicates the wave fields, but also provides a sensitive tool to monitor physical changes in and around the reservoir. These results go hand-in-hand with recent laboratory work and rock-physics modeling that has shown significant changes in the seismic properties of a reservoir undergoing CO2 sequestration, due to fluid substitution and mineral precipitation.

► We used numerical models for remote monitoring of CO2 sequestration. ► We analyzed velocity changes for CO2-water fluid changes and mineral precipitation. ► We used pre- and post-injection seismic codas for quantifying these changes. ► We derived a numerical technique for time-lapse remote monitoring of the reservoir.