Compaction and subsidence of the Groningen gas field in the Netherlands
article
The Groningen gas field in the Netherlands is Europe’s largest gas field. It has been produced since
1963 and production is expected to continue until 2080. The pressure decline in the field causes compaction in
the reservoir which is observed as subsidence at the surface. Measured subsidence is characterized by a delay
at the start of production. As linear compaction models cannot explain this behavior, alternative compaction
models (e.g. Rate Type Compaction Model and Time Decay model) have been investigated that may explain the
measured subsidence. Although the compaction models considered in this study give a good match to this delay,
their forecasts are significantly different. Future measurements of subsidence in this area will indicate which
type of compaction model is preferred. This will lead to better forecasts of subsidence in future. The pattern of
over- and underestimation of the subsidence is similar for the compaction models investigated and tested. The
pattern can be explained by differences in modeled porosity and aquifer activity illustrating the improvement of
subsurface knowledge on the reservoir using subsidence measurements
1963 and production is expected to continue until 2080. The pressure decline in the field causes compaction in
the reservoir which is observed as subsidence at the surface. Measured subsidence is characterized by a delay
at the start of production. As linear compaction models cannot explain this behavior, alternative compaction
models (e.g. Rate Type Compaction Model and Time Decay model) have been investigated that may explain the
measured subsidence. Although the compaction models considered in this study give a good match to this delay,
their forecasts are significantly different. Future measurements of subsidence in this area will indicate which
type of compaction model is preferred. This will lead to better forecasts of subsidence in future. The pattern of
over- and underestimation of the subsidence is similar for the compaction models investigated and tested. The
pattern can be explained by differences in modeled porosity and aquifer activity illustrating the improvement of
subsurface knowledge on the reservoir using subsidence measurements
TNO Identifier
530042
Source
Proceeding of IAHS, 372, pp. 367-373.
Pages
367-373