Hydraulic Fracture Optimization Using 3D Seismic Data

We describe a method for the estimation of rock strength and stress between wells using 3D seismic data. The method is demonstrated on the Colorado Shale Formation in Alberta, Canada. The application of the method to these data clearly shows that both rock strength and stress can vary significantly over very short distances. Therefore, it is recommended that this method be used wherever possible to optimize hydraulic fracturing in unconventional reservoirs.