Seismic noise interferometry for stress analysis

As global warming accelerates, the need for effective solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has become critical. Many of these solutions—such as geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, and critical minerals for clean energy technologies—are found in the subsurface. The safe and sustainable use of these subsurface resources requires a precise understanding of the Earth’s stress field. Traditional methods for determining stress directions, particularly at reservoir and local scales, rely on costly and invasive borehole measurements.The SIRENS project offers a non-intrusive, cost-effective alternative by using passive seismic sensing to estimate the maximum horizontal stress direction (SHmax) at various spatial scales. This method capitalizes on the behaviour of rocks under compression, where crack closure is influenced by local stress conditions, with the fastest closure occurring in the direction of SHmax. By leveraging the ever-present seismic noise and Earth’s solid tides, it is possible to determine the SHmax direction.SIRENS will refine this technique, focusing on its application in the Iberian Peninsula. With its diverse tectonic landscape, extensive subsurface resources, and wealth of seismic data, Iberia serves as an ideal testing ground for advancing the methodology. The project will generate new insights into stress field estimation across different scales and provide a SHmax direction dataset that will contribute to Iberia’s energy transition.SIRENS is committed to open science by making its tools and datasets freely accessible to the public. Collaborating with academic institutions and industry will ensure that the project’s outcomes are tailored to the needs of key stakeholders. Moreover, SIRENS will pave the way for future innovations in diverse geological settings, ensuring the project’s long-term impact. Ultimately, the project aligns with the Green Charter by working with a low-carbon, sustainable and cost-effective approach.