3.4 magnitude earthquake stops well completion in Oklahoma

A recent Richter Magnitude 3.4 earthquake (OGS magnitude) was felt and caused the shut-in of a well being completed in Oklahoma. This closure and the logic for monitoring was discussed in a recent article in “The Oklahoman”. The closure of a well highlights the benefit of close-in Seismic Monitoring and use of a Traffic Light Protocol in the SCOOP/STACK formation. Monitoring provides the ability to warn of impending increases in seismic activity that can sometimes foreshadow larger sequences. Many operators work with ISTI to provide tight monitoring of wells that are in areas of concern to larger seismic events in Oklahoma as an insurance against shut-in.