Numerical study of fluid injection-induced deformation and seismicity in a mature fault zone with a low-permeability fault core bounded by a densely fractured damage zone

We apply a fully-coupled hydro-mechanical simulation tool to study fluid injection-induced pressure diffusion, poroelastic response, fracture slip, damage growth, and microseismicity occurrence in complex fault zone. The zone has low-permeability core bounded by high-permeability zone, which is characterised network with the density exponentially decaying away from core. employ discrete approach explicitly represent distribution behaviour of these fractures use finite element method solve coupled governing equations flow, solid deformation, evolution fractured porous rock. explore number scenarios different orientations for in-situ stress field locations constant rate injection. report an interactive control density, orientations, state, injection point position on seismo-hydro-mechanical subject Insight our research findings may have important implications injection-related geoengineering activities such as development enhanced geothermal systems unconventional hydrocarbon reservoirs. • model multiphysical processes mature internal structure strongly affects flow deformation. Fractures, stress, interactively seismicity.