Unconventional Reservoir Geomechanics

Mark D. Zoback is the Benjamin M. Page Professor of Geophysics at Stanford University, California. He conducts research on in situ stress, fault mechanics, and reservoir geomechanics with an emphasis on shale gas, tight gas and tight oil production. His first book, Reservoir Geomechanics (Cambridge, 2007) is now in its 15th printing. His online course in reservoir geomechanics has been completed by approximately 10,000 students around the world. Dr Zoback has received a number of awards and honors, including election to the US National Academy of Engineering. Arjun H. Kohli is a Research Scientist and Lecturer in the Department of Geophysics at Stanford University, California. He conducts research on earthquake physics to understand the behavior of plate boundary faults and the occurrence of induced seismicity. He co-developed two massively open online courses on geomechanics, including interactive assignments designed for students with diverse backgrounds ranging from high school to industry professionals.

• Part I. Physical Properties of Unconventional Reservoirs: 1. Introduction; 2. Composition, fabric, elastic properties and anisotropy; 3. Strength and ductility; 4. Frictional properties; 5. Pore networks and pore fluids; 6. Flow and sorption; 7. Stress, pore pressure, fractures and faults; Part II. Stimulating Production from Unconventional Rservoirs: 8. Horizontal drilling and multi-stage hydraulic fracturing; 9. Reservoir seismology; 10. Induced shear slip during hydraulic fracturing; 11. Geomechanics and stimulation optimization; 12. Production and depletion; Part III. Environmental Impacts and Induced Seismicity: 13. Environmental impacts and induced seismicity; 14. Managing the risk of injection-induced seismicity; References; Index.

'Zoback and Kohli's thoughtful and comprehensive examination of the critical role that geomechanics plays in unlocking the potential of unconventional reservoirs is a powerful resource for any engineer or geoscientist working in this arena.' Peter H. Hennings, University of Texas