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School of Earth, Engergy & Environmental SciencesZoback Stress and Crustal Mechanics Group

  • Rock deformation and fluid transport

    Using state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, we investigate why natural rocks deform, and how this changes local fluid transport. We perform mechanical and permeability tests in combination with micro and nanoscale analysis/imaging to identify the mechanisms that control bulk deformation, fault movement and fluid transport at the crustal and reservoir scale. [Learn more]

  • Faulting and Crustal Mechanics

    Our group carries out a variety of studies that approach problems of faulting and crustal mechanics in geologic environments by integration of various types of data. Typically, these studies involve working with data on the magnitude and orientation of in situ stresses, seismological data, geodetic data, etc. [Learn more]

  • Energy Information Administration shale gas plays

    Reservoir Geomechanics

    We are carrying out a series of studies, usually in close collaboration with the oil and gas industry, on problems in oil and gas reservoirs, potential CO2 repositories and geothermal reservoirs. The emphasis of this research recently has been on shale gas, tight gas and tight oil reservoirs. [Learn more]

 

Zoback Stress and Crustal Mechanics Group

The Stress and Crustal Mechanics Group uses knowledge of the state of stress in the Earth and the mechanical properties of Earth materials to investigate a variety of geophysical problems. [more]

The group is directed by Professor Mark Zoback. [View Mark Zoback's short bio]

Recent Publications

Zoback, M.D., and Gorelick, S. M. 2015. REPLY: To prevent earthquake triggering, pressure changes due to CO2 injection need to be limited. PNAS, 112(33):E4510.

Walters, R. J., Zoback, M. D., Baker, J. W., and Beroza, G. C. 2015. Characterizing and Responding to Seismic Risk Associated with Earthquakes Potentially Triggered by Fluid Disposal and Hydraulic Fracturing. Seismological Research Letters 86(4):1–9, doi: 10.1785/0220150048.

Walsh, F. R., III, and Zoback, M. D. 2015. Oklahoma's Recent Earthquakes and Saltwater Disposal. Science Advances 1(5):1–9. http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/1/5/e1500195.abstract

(in press) Viscoplastic Deformation of the Bakken and Adjacent Formations and its Relation to Hydraulic Fracture Growth ISRM Yang, Y., Zoback, M. D. 2015

Chang, C., E. Mallman and M.D. Zoback (2014). Time-Dependent Subsidence Associated with Drainage-Induced Compaction in Gulf of Mexico Shales Bounding a Severely
Depleted Gas Reservoir, AAPG Bulletin, V. 98, No. 6 (June 2014), PP. 1145-1159.

View All Publications