Implications of depth conversion on fault geometries and fault-risk assessment in the Smeaheia CO ₂ storage site, northern North Sea

Abstract

Assessments of fault geometries and fault-risk parameters are crucial when evaluating the integrity of a structurally controlled CO 2 storage site. To perform these assessments, seismic data, recorded in time, must be converted to depth. The velocity models used for this time-depth conversion influence the final depth image and, consequently, the geometry of the interpreted faults. Against this background, we create four velocity models for depth conversion, assess the impact on fault throw, dip, and thickness of the primary seal, and, subsequently, fault-risk assessment of the Vette Fault Zone in the Smeaheia CO 2 storage site. We find that fault throw and thickness of the primary seal are more influenced by depth conversion compared to fault dip. In contrast, the overall assessment of membrane seal presence and geomechanical integrity shows less sensitivity to the depth conversion process. Consequently, we suggest that a relatively robust fault-risk assessment can be made with a variety of velocity model designs and data input. Nevertheless, we find a mean difference of 2% shale gouge ratio, 4% slip tendency, and 9% dilation tendency for the Vette Fault Zone emphasizing the importance of accounting for the influence of depth conversion to optimize structural assessments in potential CO 2 storage sites.