Abstract: A method for directing a proppant in a subterranean formation including providing a first wellbore and a second wellbore, wherein the first wellbore and the second wellbore are disposed about a target area of the subterranean formation; creating a pressure differential between the first wellbore and the second wellbore, such that the pressure of one of the first wellbore or the second wellbore is at a higher pressure and the other of the first wellbore or second wellbore is at a lower pressure; and initiating a fracturing pressure in the higher pressure wellbore by pumping a fracturing fluid in the wellbore, the fracturing pressure sufficient to create a fracture at a predetermined location; whereby the fracturing fluid is drawn from the fractured wellbore toward the lower pressurized wellbore as a result of the pressure differential.

Abstract: Methods and mediums for estimating stimulated reservoir volumes are disclosed. Some method embodiments may include obtaining microseismic event data acquired during a hydraulic fracturing treatment of the formation, the data including event location and at least one additional attribute for each microseismic event within the formation; filtering the microseismic events based on the at least one additional attribute; determining a density of filtered microseismic events; weighting the filtered microseismic events based on the density; and determining a stimulated reservoir volume estimate based on filtered and weighted microseismic events.

Abstract: Methods including introducing a first high-viscosity treatment fluid (HVTF) into a subterranean formation through an opening and applying incrementally increased fracturing rate steps (IIFRSs) to the first HVTF to create or enhance a dominate fracture, wherein between each IIFRS applied to the first HVTF a downhole pressure slope over time will increase, decline, or stabilize at a first HVTF measured pressure slope. Evaluating the first HVTF measured pressure slope prior to applying a subsequent IIFRS to the first HVTF. Introducing a first low-viscosity treatment fluid (LVTF) through the opening to create or enhance a secondary azimuth fracture extending from the dominate fracture, and performing a first net pressure operation after the first LVTF is introduced.

Abstract: Methods including introducing a high-viscosity treatment fluid into a subterranean formation through an opening and applying incrementally increased fracturing rate steps (IIFRSs) to create or enhance a dominate fracture, wherein between each IIFRS a downhole pressure slope over time will increase, decline, or stabilize at a HVTF measured pressure slope. Further evaluating the HVTF measured pressure slope prior to applying a subsequent IIFRS. Performing a particulate sequence transport operation with a first, second, and third low-viscosity treatment fluid (LVTF), wherein the LVTFs collectively create or enhance at least one near-wellbore secondary azimuth fracture and at least one far-field secondary azimuth fracture extending from the dominate fracture, and further propping the dominate fracture, near-wellbore, and far-field secondary azimuth fractures with the particulates.

Abstract: A method for mapping a subterranean formation is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first set of subterranean formation data based, at least in part, on survey data from the subterranean formation. The method includes receiving a second set of subterranean formation data based, at least in part, on one or more formation samples from the subterranean formation The method includes determining a stratagraphic composition of the subterranean formation and generating a fortistratisgraphic map of the subterranean formation based, at least in part on the first set of subterranean formation data, the second set of subterranean formation data, and the stratigraphic composition of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method can include receiving acoustic emission data for acoustic emissions originating in a formation, performing a moment tensor analysis of the data, thereby yielding acoustic emission source parameters, determining at least one acoustic emission source parameter angle having a highest number of associated acoustic emission events, and calculating an in situ stress parameter, based on the acoustic emission source parameter angle. A system can include multiple sensors that sense acoustic emissions originating in a formation, and a computer including a computer readable medium having instructions that cause a processor to perform a moment tensor analysis of the data and yield acoustic emission source parameters, determine at least one acoustic emission source parameter angle having a highest number of associated acoustic emission events, and calculate an in situ stress parameter, based on the acoustic emission source parameter angle.

Abstract: Methods including isolating a first treatment zone comprising an opening into a subterranean formation. A high-viscosity treatment fluid (HVTF) is introduced through the opening and incrementally increased fracturing rate steps (IIFRSs) are applied to create or enhance a dominate fracture, wherein between each IIFRS a downhole pressure slope over time will increase, decline, or stabilize at a measured pressure slope. The measured pressure slope is evaluated to determine whether an increasing pressure slope, a stabilizing pressure slope, or a declining pressure slope exists to determine whether and when to apply a subsequent IIFRS. The result is increasing a volume of the dominate fracture due to efficient dominate fracturing with generated back pressure until a first maximum fracturing rate is reached.

Abstract: Methods including introducing a first high-viscosity treatment fluid (HVTF) into a subterranean formation through an opening and applying incrementally increased fracturing rate steps (IIFRSs) to the first HVTF to create or enhance a dominate fracture, wherein between each IIFRS applied to the first HVTF a downhole pressure slope over time will increase, decline, or stabilize at a first HVTF measured pressure slope. Evaluating the first HVTF measured pressure slope prior to applying a subsequent IIFRS to the first HVTF. Introducing a first low-viscosity treatment fluid (LVTF) through the opening to create or enhance a secondary azimuth fracture extending from the dominate fracture, and introducing a low-viscosity diversion fluid pill (LVDF) pill through the opening to create a fluidic seal therein.

Abstract: A method for directing a proppant in a subterranean formation including providing a first wellbore and a second wellbore, wherein the first wellbore and the second wellbore are disposed about a target area of the subterranean formation; creating a pressure differential between the first wellbore and the second wellbore, such that the pressure of one of the first wellbore or the second wellbore is at a higher pressure and the other of the first wellbore or second wellbore is at a lower pressure; and initiating a fracturing pressure in the higher pressure wellbore by pumping a fracturing fluid in the wellbore, the fracturing pressure sufficient to create a fracture at a predetermined location; whereby the fracturing fluid is drawn from the fractured wellbore toward the lower pressurized wellbore as a result of the pressure differential.

Abstract: Methods including introducing a first high-viscosity treatment fluid (HVTF) into a subterranean formation through an opening and applying incrementally increased fracturing rate steps (IIFRSs) to the first HVTF to create or enhance a dominate fracture, wherein between each IIFRS applied to the first HVTF a downhole pressure slope over time will increase, decline, or stabilize at a first HVTF measured pressure slope. Evaluating the first HVTF measured pressure slope prior to applying a subsequent IIFRS to the first HVTF. Introducing a first low-viscosity treatment fluid (LVTF) through the opening to create or enhance a secondary azimuth fracture extending from the dominate fracture, and performing a first net pressure operation after the first LVTF is introduced.

Abstract: A method and system for inducing secondary orthogonal fractures in an underground formation by introducing a proppant carrying fluid into a hydraulic fracture in an underground formation at high pressure is provided. The pressure of the proppant carrying fluid is lowered at a rate allowing the fluid to exit the formation while the proppant remains in place within the fractures. The pressure of the fluid is then rapidly reduced, creating fractures orthogonal to the surface of existing fractures by pushing remained proppant against hydraulic fractures walls. The orthogonal fractures can be opened with high pressure fluid and propped. In this way, the portion of the formation in fluid flow communication with the wellbore is increased.

Abstract: Methods including introducing a first high-viscosity treatment fluid (HVTF) into a subterranean formation through an opening and applying incrementally increased fracturing rate steps (IIFRSs) to the first HVTF to create or enhance a dominate fracture, wherein between each IIFRS applied to the first HVTF a downhole pressure slope over time will increase, decline, or stabilize at a first HVTF measured pressure slope. Evaluating the first HVTF measured pressure slope prior to applying a subsequent IIFRS to the first HVTF. Introducing a first low-viscosity treatment fluid (LVTF) through the opening to create or enhance a secondary azimuth fracture extending from the dominate fracture, and introducing a low-viscosity diversion fluid pill (LVDF) pill through the opening to create a fluidic seal therein.

Abstract: Methods including isolating a first treatment zone comprising an opening into a subterranean formation. A high-viscosity treatment fluid (HVTF) is introduced through the opening and incrementally increased fracturing rate steps (IIFRSs) are applied to create or enhance a dominate fracture, wherein between each IIFRS a downhole pressure slope over time will increase, decline, or stabilize at a measured pressure slope. The measured pressure slope is evaluated to determine whether an increasing pressure slope, a stabilizing pressure slope, or a declining pressure slope exists to determine whether and when to apply a subsequent IIFRS. The result is increasing a volume of the dominate fracture due to efficient dominate fracturing with generated back pressure until a first maximum fracturing rate is reached.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid loss into the pores of an underground formation during fracturing operations is provided. Nanoparticles are added to the fracturing fluid to plug the pore throats of pores in the underground formation. As a result, the fracturing fluid is inhibited from entering the pores. By minimizing fluid loss, higher fracturing fluid pressures are maintained, thereby resulting in more extensive fracture networks. Additionally, nanoparticles minimize the interaction between the fracturing fluid and the formation, especially in water sensitive formations. As a result, the nanoparticles help maintain the integrity and conductivity of the generated, propped fractures.

Abstract: Methods including introducing a high-viscosity treatment fluid into a subterranean formation through an opening and applying incrementally increased fracturing rate steps (IIFRSs) to create or enhance a dominate fracture, wherein between each IIFRS a downhole pressure slope over time will increase, decline, or stabilize at a HVTF measured pressure slope. Further evaluating the HVTF measured pressure slope prior to applying a subsequent IIFRS. Performing a particulate sequence transport operation with a first, second, and third low-viscosity treatment fluid (LVTF), wherein the LVTFs collectively create or enhance at least one near-wellbore secondary azimuth fracture and at least one far-field secondary azimuth fracture extending from the dominate fracture, and further propping the dominate fracture, near-wellbore, and far-field secondary azimuth fractures with the particulates.

Abstract: Methods for treating a shale formation may include injecting a pad fluid including a shale stabilizing agent into a shale formation to generate one or more fractures. The method may also include injecting a fracturing slurry including proppant particulates into the one or more generated fractures such that the proppant particulates form microfractures along shale fracture faces. At least a portion of the proppant particulates may be at least partially coated with at least one oxidizing agent.

Abstract: In some aspects, an acoustic analysis system includes an acoustic source and a laser vibrometer. In some instances, the acoustic source can generate an acoustic signal in a wellbore defined in a subterranean region, and the laser vibrometer can detect movement of a surface in the wellbore in response to the acoustic signal. The detected movement can be analyzed, for example, to identify properties of materials in the subterranean region.

Abstract: A method for mapping a subterranean formation is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first set of subterranean formation data based, at least in part, on survey data from the subterranean formation. The method includes receiving a second set of subterranean formation data based, at least in part, on one or more formation samples from the subterranean formation The method includes determining a stratagraphic composition of the subterranean formation and generating a fortistratisgraphic map of the subterranean formation based, at least in part on the first set of subterranean formation data, the second set of subterranean formation data, and the stratigraphic composition of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A multi-layer composite synthetic test bed may be used to model fracture propagation and fracture networks. For example, a fracturing fluid may be introduced into a multi-layer composite synthetic test bed at a pressure and a flow rate sufficient to create a fracture network therein. Then, the fracture network may be analyzed to produce synthetic fracture data, which may be used in a fracture model.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid loss into the pores of an underground formation during fracturing operations is provided. Nanoparticles are added to the fracturing fluid to plug the pore throats of pores in the underground formation. As a result, the fracturing fluid is inhibited from entering the pores. By minimizing fluid loss, higher fracturing fluid pressures are maintained, thereby resulting in more extensive fracture networks. Additionally, nanoparticles minimize the interaction between the fracturing fluid and the formation, especially in water sensitive formations. As a result, the nanoparticles help maintain the integrity and conductivity of the generated, propped fractures.