The future of subsidence modelling: compaction and subsidence due to gas depletion of the Groningen gas field in the Netherlands

Abstract

The Groningen gas field has shown considerable compaction and subsidence since starting production in the early 1960s. The behaviour is understood from the geomechanical response of the reservoir pressure depletion. By integrating surface movement measurements and modelling, the model parameters can be constrained and understanding of the subsurface behaviour can be improved. Such a procedure has been employed to formulate new compaction and subsidence forecasts. The results are put into the context of an extensive review of the work performed in this field, both in Groningen and beyond. The review is used to formulate a way forward designed to integrate all knowledge in a stochastic manner.