New publication on the MzeroA and MzeroB experiments
Before conducting the large-scale FEAR-2 experiment, the research team carried out the MzeroA and MzeroB preparatory experiments at the BedrettoLab in 2024. These experiments were designed to investigate whether hydraulic stimulation strategies can influence the nucleation and growth of seismic rupture in a naturally fractured rock mass.
It has now been about three months since the FEAR‑2 experiment. We are currently carrying out an in‑depth analysis of the large data sets collected. What have we learned so far, and what comes next?
The first FEAR-2 experiment, involving approximately 50 hours of controlled injection and continuous 24/7 monitoring between 22 and 25 April, was concluded on Saturday, 25 April. For the research team, the experiment was successful and demonstrated that the experimental design works and that seismicity can be induced in a controlled manner.
The BedrettoLab is preparing the next step in the Fault Activation and Earthquake Rupture (FEAR) project: the FEAR-2 experiment. In this experiment, scientists will inject water into a densely instrumented natural fault zone to trigger a small, controlled earthquake of about magnitude 1. An earthquake of this magnitude cannot be felt at the surface, but it is large enough to help researchers understand how earthquakes start and how faults behave.
A new cycle of hot-water injection began last week at BedrettoLab as part of the BEACH project. During this phase, water is heated to 80°C and injected into the reservoir between 09:00 and 17:00 every day for three weeks in total. The operation follows a three-week cyclic injection scheme designed to test the efficiency of the system.
