Workflow for the Validation of Geomechanical Simulations through Seabed Monitoring for Offshore Underground Activities

Underground fluid storage is gaining increasing attention as a means to balance energy production and consumption, ensure supply security, contribute greenhouse gas reduction in the atmosphere by CO2 geological sequestration. However, underground generates pressure changes, which turn induce stress variations rock deformations. Numerical geomechanical models are typically used predict response of given injection withdrawal, but validation required for such model be considered reliable. This paper focuses on technology methodology that we developed monitor seabed movements verify predictions impact caused offshore storage. To this end, put together measurement system, integrated into an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle, periodically bathymetry. Measurements repeated during after activities can compared with outcome numerical simulations indirectly confirm existence safety conditions. simulate system storage, applied Virtual Element Method. illustrate discuss our methodology, present possible application depleted reservoir Adriatic Sea, Italy, where several formations could potentially converted future.