Application of MODFLOW for oil reservoir simulation during the Deepwater Horizon Crisis
Ground Water
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
When the Macondo well was shut in on July 15, 2010, the shut-in pressure recovered to a level that indicated the possibility of oil leakage out of the well casing into the surrounding formation. Such a leak could initiate a hydraulic fracture that might eventually breach the seafloor, resulting in renewed and uncontrolled oil flow into the Gulf of Mexico. To help evaluate whether or not to reopen the well, a MODFLOW model was constructed within 24 h after shut in to analyze the shut-in pressure. The model showed that the shut-in pressure can be explained by a reasonable scenario in which the well did not leak after shut in. The rapid response provided a scientific analysis for the decision to keep the well shut, thus ending the oil spill resulting from the Deepwater Horizon blow out.
Suggested Citation
Hsieh, P.A., 2011, Application of MODFLOW for oil reservoir simulation during the Deepwater Horizon Crisis: Ground Water, v. 49, no. 3, p. 319-323, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1745-6584.2011.00813.x.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Application of MODFLOW for oil reservoir simulation during the Deepwater Horizon Crisis |
| Series title | Ground Water |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.1745-6584.2011.00813.x |
| Volume | 49 |
| Issue | 3 |
| Publication Date | March 16, 2011 |
| Year Published | 2011 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Contributing office(s) | Branch of Regional Research-Western Region, Toxic Substances Hydrology Program |
| Description | 5 p. |
| First page | 319 |
| Last page | 323 |
| Country | United States |
| Other Geospatial | Gulf of Mexico |