SCEC Award Number 24192 View PDF
Proposal Category Collaborative Research Project (Multiple Investigators / Institutions)
Proposal Title Geodetic imaging fault creek over the northern Rodgers Creek Fault and simulating the stabilizing effect of poroelastic transients from the nearby Geyser geothermal production, Northern California
Investigator(s)
Name Organization
Sui Tung Texas Tech University Manoochehr Shirzaei Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
SCEC Milestones A3-5, B2-2, C1-1, C3-1 SCEC Groups SDOT, Geology, Geodesy
Report Due Date 03/15/2025 Date Report Submitted 04/16/2025
Project Abstract
 This study investigates fault creep behavior along the northern Rodgers Creek Fault in Northern California and evaluates the influence of poroelastic stress changes resulting from geothermal production at the nearby Geyser field. Using time-series InSAR analysis of Sentinel-1 SAR imagery (2015–2023), we assess surface displacement and estimate fault creep rates, identifying up to 10 mm/year of subsidence in some regions. Due to limited coherence in certain areas, additional data from ALOS2 SCANSAR and enhanced processing techniques are being pursued to refine results. A finite element model incorporating poroelastic theory simulates stress perturbations induced by geothermal fluid extraction and injection. Findings indicate that production activities at the Geyser geothermal site cause negative Coulomb stress changes along the southern segment of the Rodgers Creek Fault, potentially influencing its seismic hazard. This work supports SCEC objectives by improving fault characterization, enhancing hazard assessments, and modeling fluid-induced stress changes in seismically active regions.
SCEC Community Models Used Community Velocity Model (CVM)
Usage Description The community velocity model is used to constrain the heterogeneous rock material within the finite element models.
Intellectual Merit The project contributes to advancing knowledge and understanding of induced/reduced seismicity caused by anthropogenic activities. It is highly relevant to 3.A. Improving observations and closing critical data gaps; P3f. - Study the mechanical and chemical effects of fluid flows. P1.a. - Refine the geologic slip rates; P1.e. - Quantify stress heterogeneity on faults through numerical simulations.
Broader Impacts This work has been helping a Phd student to develop his dissertation chapter and the pipeline of automatic InSAR processing.
Project Participants PI: Jay Sui Tung, Texas Tech University, Co-I: Manoochehr Shirzaei, Virginia Tech, PhD student: Aparna Raman, Texas Tech University


Exemplary Figure Figure 2. Observed InSAR-based ground subsidence rate over the Geyser geothermal field during 2015-2023. Over the main flank, up to 10 mm/year of subsidence is observed.
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