2.8.4 CO2 detection in shallow subsurface

Shallow 2D Seismic methods implement the principles of subsurface imaging from reflected seismic waves. Seismic reflection technology has been applied to characterising the shallow geology at locations that are environmentally contaminated and in detecting shallow subsurface voids that might be related to sinkholes, tunnels, or construction, in mapping faults or bedrock surfaces and in other situations. Shallow seismic might be deployed in time-lapse mode to look for changes from the baseline, or post-injection when a leak is suspected to try to image a concentration of trapped gas phase CO2 by mapping a bright spot. This technology can provide high-resolution images of the subsurface for monitoring. Should CO2 leak and accumulate at shallow depth, the low density of the gas phase would be expected to produce an area of significantly lower velocity, readily mapped as change from baseline, or even in a single survey, as a bright spot.

Seismic techniques respond to a significant change in velocity of sound through the rock/fluid system, so that CO2 dissolved in groundwater would not likely produce a measurable signal. Thin or low-saturation gas phase CO2 (near wells or faults) may also produce signal below the resolution sensitivity and, therefore, undetectable. Resolution of sound waves and depth of penetration are inversely related; cost of surveys and processing and the source and receiver spacing are also related, requiring careful design. Static errors caused by changes in shot points or in near surface conditions can reduce detection; they may also add noise. It is not possible to quantify the amount of CO2 using seismic methods, as occupied formation thickness and saturation are both difficult to quantify. Mass-balance and dissolution/mineral trapping are difficult to monitor. It is noted that only migration in the acquisition direction can be followed, whereas migration in any other direction cannot be quantified directly.