Shallow Subsurface Characterization of the Permian Basin Using Dense Seismic Nodal Array

Earthquakes induced by anthropogenic activities, also known as induced seismicity, have recently emerged as a significant geologic hazard in the Permian Basin of southeast New Mexico and Texas. Most of these earthquakes are small and occur at shallow depths, making them difficult to locate accurately. Current subsurface seismic velocity models do not capture near-surface and local velocity discontinuities accurately, leading to uncertainty in estimating earthquake depth and location. This uncertainty limits the ability of the state agencies, researchers, and industry operators to spatially correlate daily operations with seismic sources and make timely, informed decisions on public safety and risk mitigation. This project aims to improve earthquake monitoring by building a high-resolution seismic velocity model for the Delaware Basin. We plan to deploy around 200 temporary seismic nodes across southeast New Mexico. This dense network will significantly improve the imaging resolution of the shallow subsurface strata. Using ambient noise, we plan to develop a detailed three-dimensional shallow crustal shear-wave velocity model by inverting surface-wave dispersion. The results will help in locating earthquake depths more accurately and reduce bias in earthquake location and origin time. This improved subsurface velocity model will support better hazard assessment and reveal the heterogeneous structure in the basin, with implications for oil and gas exploration. Additionally, this study will potentially serve as a pilot for a larger, longer-term effort to build a comprehensive regional seismic velocity model for the northern Permian Basin.