The application of SET for the imaging and analysis of seismic energy
emission induced during production of fluid resources from their
reservoirs allows 4 dimensional measurements of the components of the
permeability field of the reservoir. The seismic energy emission
associated with the permeability field is identified by its spatial and
temporal location with respect to a well or plurality of wells in which
fluid pressure is being changed. Changing fluid pressure causes
seismicity to rapidly migrate outward from the points of fluid pressure
change and will alter the characteristics of the seismic energy emission.
Monitoring the changes in seismic energy emission in response to pressure
changes in the active well and altering the values of the processing
parameters permits measurement of components of the permeability tensor.
The placement of subsequent infill, development and injection wells may
be selected based on the analysis.