Surface Deformation and Seismicity Induced by Poroelastic Stress at the Raft River Geothermal Field, Idaho, USA

We investigate the relative importance of injection and production on spatial-temporal distribution induced seismicity at Raft River geothermal field. use time-series InSAR measurements to document surface deformation calibrate a hydro-mechanical model estimate effective stress changes imparted by production. Seismicity, located predominantly in basement, is primarily poroelastic stresses from cold water reinjection into shallower reservoir. The effect deeper reservoir minimal inconsistent with observed seismicity, as pore-pressure-diffusion basement along reactivated faults. an initial strength excess ∼20 kPa sedimentary cover, but rate cover four times lower, reflecting lower density seed-points for earthquake nucleation. Our modeling workflow could be used assess impact fluid extraction or help design guide operations.