Induced seismicity, or human-induced earthquakes, has become a significant concern in various CO₂ sequestration projects around the globe. CO₂ sequestration, also known as carbon capture and storage (CCS), involves injecting CO₂ into deep geological formations to reduce atmospheric carbon levels and mitigate climate change. However, this process can induce seismic activity due to the increased pressure in underground reservoirs. Globally, induced seismicity related to CO₂ sequestration has been observed in some projects. For instance, in the United States, the Decatur project in Illinois, which involves injecting CO₂ into the Mount Simon Sandstone, has experienced low-magnitude seismic events. Similarly, the In Salah project in Algeria, one of the largest CO₂ sequestration projects, reported induced seismicity due to CO₂ injection into a saline aquifer. These incidents highlight the need for careful monitoring and management of pressure changes in the subsurface to mitigate seismic risks. But not only CO₂ sequestration can cause induced seismicity, also natural gas extraction can, as in the Groningen gas field in the Netherlands. The Groningen case illustrates the potential risks of altering subsurface pressure. In Groningen, the extraction of gas caused a decrease in reservoir pressure, leading to compaction of the reservoir rock and subsequent seismic events.

Main topics of research:

• Develop and implement state-of-the-art monitoring systems to detect and analyse seismic events
• Comprehensive geomechanical modelling for CO₂ sequestration
• Reservoir characterization and seismic hazard assessment