• Geophysics and Geophysical Exploration
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.268-274
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• 2023

Finite source inversion is performed with a Green's function matrix and geodetic coseismic displacement. Conventionally, the Green's function matrix is constructed using the Okada model (Okada, 1985). However, for more realistic earthquake simulations, recent research has widely adopted the physics-based model, which can consider various material properties such as elasticity, viscoelasticity, and elastoplasticity. We used the physics-based software PyLith, which is suitable for earthquake modeling. However, the PyLith does not provide a mesh generator, which makes it difficult to perform finite source inversions that require numerous subfaults and observation points within the model. Therefore, in this study, we developed CPInterface (COMSOL-PyLith Interface) to improve the convenience of finite source inversion by combining the processes of creating a numerical model including sub-faults and observation points, simulating earthquake modeling, and constructing a Green's function matrix. CPInterface combines the grid generator of COMSOL with PyLith to generate the Green's function matrix automatically. CPInterface controls model and fault information with simple parameters. In addition, elastic subsurface anomalies and GPS observations can be placed flexibly in the model. CPInterface is expected to enhance the accessibility of physics-based finite source inversions by automatically generating the Green's function matrix.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.643-659
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• 2022

Geologic sequestration technologies such as CCS (carbon capture and storage), EGS (enhanced geothermal systems), and EOR (enhanced oil recovery) have been widely implemented in recent years, prompting evaluation of the mechanical stability of storage sites. As fluid injection can stimulate mechanical instability in storage layers by perturbing the stress state and pore pressure, poroelastic models considering various injection scenarios are required. In this study, we calculate the pore pressure, stress distribution, and vertical displacement along a surface using commercial finite element software (COMSOL); fault slips are subsequently simulated using PyLith, an open-source finite element software. The displacement fields, are obtained from PyLith is transferred back to COMSOL to determine changes in coseismic stresses and surface displacements. Our sequential use of COMSOL-PyLith-COMSOL for poroelastic modeling of fluid-injection and induced-earthquakes reveals large variations of pore pressure, vertical displacement, and Coulomb failure stress change during injection periods. On the other hand, the residual stress diffuses into the remote field after injection stops. This flow pattern suggests the necessity of numerical modeling and long-term monitoring, even after injection has stopped. We found that the time at which the Coulomb failure stress reaches the critical point greatly varies with the hydraulic and poroelastic properties (e.g., permeability and Biot-Willis coefficient) of the fault and injection layer. We suggest that an understanding of the detailed physical properties of the surrounding layer is important in selecting the injection site. Our numerical results showing the surface displacement and deviatoric stress distribution with different amounts of fault slip highlight the need to test more variable fault slip scenarios.