Fault Reactivation Analysis Using Microearthquake Clustering Based on Signal-to-Noise Weighted Waveform Similarity

The cluster formation of about 2000 induced microearthquakes (mostly M L < 2) is studied using a waveform similarity technique based on cross-correlation and a subsequent equivalence class approach. All events were detected within two separated but neighbouring seismic volumes close to the geothermal powerplants near Landau and Insheim in the Upper Rhine Graben, SW Germany between 2006 and 2013. Besides different sensors, sampling rates and individual data gaps, mainly low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) of the recordings at most station sites provide a complication for the determination of a precise waveform similarity analysis of the microseismic events in this area. To include a large number of events for such an analysis, a newly developed weighting approach was implemented in the waveform similarity analysis which directly considers the individual SNRs across the whole seismic network. The application to both seismic volumes leads to event clusters with high waveform similarities within short (seconds to hours) and long (months to years) time periods covering two magnitude ranges. The estimated relative hypocenter locations are spatially concentrated for each single cluster and mirror the orientations of mapped faults as well as interpreted rupture planes determined from fault plane solutions. ... mehrDepending on the waveform cross-correlation coefficient threshold, clusters can be resolved in space to as little as one dominant wavelength. The interpretation of these observations implies recurring fault reactivations by fluid injection with very similar faulting mechanisms during different time periods between 2006 and 2013.