Geophysical remote sensing of CO₂ sequestration

Project Summary

No single geophysical method in isolation has the capability to monitor CO₂ because most extant geophysical methods cannot detect CO₂ directly.

This means that an effective geophysical monitoring and verification strategy should incorporate one or more methods. For particular scenarios, the exact remote sensing combination will vary, but such methods will generally include reflection seismics, electromagnetics or gravity.

The objectives of this project were to:

• Develop conceptual reservoir models which spanned the likely geometries and performance of the potential demonstration flagships;
• Forward model possible physical measurements;
• Understand the sensitivity of the measurements to CO₂ ;
• Recommend the combination of geometries and physics to be used for the pilot project measurements, including notional costs; and
• Recommend analysis and measurement technology that needs further development.

These objectives were addressed by modelling seismic, electromagnetic and gravity responses of idealised, conceptual models of two recently-approved flagship CCS projects; the SW Hub in Western Australia and the CarbonNet project in Victoria. Baseline and several data vintages (each representing the addition of increasing amounts of CO₂), were modelled in order to assess the suitability of each geophysical method to each flagship project. Geophysical data from different vintages were analysed in order to establish the sensitivity of each method to CO₂ injection.

To access the final report from this project, please make a request through the enquiry form.