The current invention enables a structure to remain virtually motionless while the ground underneath it is undergoing significant oscillatory accelerations, such as would occur during a tectonic event. This is achieved by using the Meissner effect to maintain controlled elevation of the structure above the ground, allowing the ground to oscillate underneath the structure. The structure is able to move virtually without friction along an array of symmetric and parallel magnetic fields, which are kept parallel to the axis of ground oscillation typically via input from accelerometers in the surrounding oscillating ground. Simple buffering mechanisms keep the elevated structure from moving beyond the lateral range of the parallel magnetic fields, and facilitate the structure's return to its rest position. In this manner, structural damage from high energy large amplitude earthquakes can be virtually eliminated. This system and method can be extended to any object in a vibrational environment.

Uncertainty of microseismic monitoring results can be reduced to improve hydraulic fracture modeling. A computing device can use a fracture model to determine a predicted geometry of a hydraulic fracture in a subterranean formation based on properties of a fracturing fluid that is introduced into the subterranean formation. An uncertainty index of the predicted geometry of the hydraulic fracture can be determined based on an uncertainty value of the predicted geometry and a trend of uncertainty values. When the injection flow rate of the fracturing fluid is less than a maximum flow rate, it can be increased from an initial injection flow rate to an increased injection flow rate in response to determining the uncertainty index exceeds a pre-set maximum.

An environment information acquisition apparatus (400) according to the present disclosure includes an information acquisition unit (410) configured to receive, from an optical fiber (500), an optical signal including a pattern in accordance with environment information applied to the optical fiber (500) and acquire the environment information based on the optical signal; an information provision unit (430) configured to output measurement data representing the environment information to outside; and a detection unit (420) configured to detect vibration or sound applied to the information acquisition unit (410).

The present disclosure describes methods and systems, including computer-implemented methods, computer program products, and computer systems, for determining first-break (FB) points. One computer-implemented method includes: selecting, by a hardware processor, potential first-break (PFB) points based on seismic data obtained by plurality of seismic receivers in a geological location; determining, by the hardware processor, a first plurality of FB lines based on the PFB points; selecting, by the hardware processor, a first FB line among the plurality of FB lines; filtering, by the hardware processor, the PFB points based on the first FB line; determining, by the hardware processor, a second plurality of FB lines based on the filtered PFB points; selecting, by the hardware processor, a second FB line among the second plurality of FB lines; and determining, by the hardware processor, FB points based on the second FB line.

A method may comprise: modeling a complex fracture network within the subterranean formation with a mathematical model based on a natural fracture network map and measured data of the subterranean formation collected in association with a fracturing treatment of the subterranean formation to produce a complex fracture network map; importing microseismic data collected in association with the fracturing treatment of the subterranean formation into the mathematical model; identifying directions of continuity in the microseismic data via a geostatistical analysis that is part of the mathematical model; and correlating the directions of continuity in the microseismic data to the complex fracture network with the mathematical model to produce a microseismic-weighted (MSW) complex fracture network map.

A fracture model for a hydraulic fracture in a wellbore can be updated and calibrated. Information about a microseismic event can be received from a sensor that is monitoring a subterranean formation. The information can be received subsequent to a fracking fluid being introduced into the formation. An observed geometry of a hydraulic fracture can be determined based on the information and a predicted geometry of the fracture can be determined based on properties of the fracking fluid and a fracture model. The fracture model can be updated using the information about the microseismic event where it is determined that an uncertainty value of the observed geometry does not exceed a pre-set maximum. The uncertainty value can be based on the predicted geometry of the hydraulic fracture.

A microseismic array includes a series of sensors that are arranged in combinations of various sensor formations that collectively provide an improved radial anti-azimuthal aliasing function for microseismic mapping a wellbore. The sensors may be organized into one or more formations that resemble arms that extend radially outward from a central region around the wellbore, patches distributed in a field around the wellbore, ovals that are centered around the wellbore and concentric rings within the sensor ovals.

A rock sample is nano-indented from a surface of the rock sample to a specified depth less than a thickness of the rock sample. While nano-indenting, multiple depths from the surface to the specified depth and multiple loads applied to the sample are measured. From the multiple loads and the multiple depths, a change in load over a specified depth is determined, using which an energy associated with nano-indenting rock sample is determined. From a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of the nano-indented rock sample, an indentation volume is determined responsive to nano-indenting, and, using the volume, an energy density is determined. It is determined that the energy density associated with the rock sample is substantially equal to energy density of a portion of a subterranean zone in a hydrocarbon reservoir. In response, the physical properties of the rock sample are assigned to the portion of the subterranean zone.

An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmission unit that is disposed on a first axis which is inclined with respect to a normal line of a surface of an object, a reception unit that is provided on a side opposite to the transmission unit of the object, on the first axis, and a transmission control unit that controls drive of the transmission unit. The transmission unit includes a plurality of transmission elements that transmit ultrasonic waves, and the plurality of transmission elements are arranged in a first direction that intersects the first axis in a plane including the normal line and the first axis. The transmission control unit delay-drives the plurality of transmission elements to align a direction of the ultrasonic wave that is transmitted from the transmission unit with the first axis.

There is provided system and methods for providing enhanced high definition of subterranean activities, and structures using migrate data from two independent sources. There are provided systems and methods for imaging and the resultant and images showing hydraulic fracturing and hydraulic fractures.