Prediction of subsidence: Relationship between lowering of formation pressure and subsidence due to fluid withdrawal

A simple method is presented for calculating (predicting the amount of comp action land resulting subsidence) from the pressure drop in formation due t o production, i.e., the increase in the effective pressure p(e) (p(e) = p(t ) - p(p), where p(t) is the total overburden pressure and p(p) is the fluid or pore pressure). This work is based on extensive data collected in Russia. For example, larg e petroliferous areas in Western Siberia became marshlands as a result of f luid withdrawal. One should remember that sophisticated methods, such as FS MT (direct measurement of rock compaction by wireline tools in situ) and GP S (measurement of surface subsidence by satellite microwave Doppler techniq ues), are not yet available in many areas of the world.