From geophysical exploration to geothermal multiphysics simulation: an end-to-end worflow applied to the Upper Rhine Graben.

@inproceedings{Bertrand2026RM,
 abstract = {The Upper Rhine Graben (northeastern France) is extensively explored for deep geothermal resource production, including heat, electricity, and lithium extraction. For such projects, modeling the deep subsurface — particularly complex fault zones — is a critical step prior to drilling operations in order 1) to predict fluid circulation conditions, such as well pressure, thermal convection between production and injection wells, in order to quantify the chance of success of the project and design the drilling and exploitation programs and 2) the fault slip tendency to minimize the risk of induced seismicity. We present an end-to-end workflow designed to address the scientific and technical challenges associated with the numerical modeling of these projects, developed through collaboration between our two organizations. Combining the interpretation of regional seismic lines with Enerex's ultra-high-resolution UAV magnetic surveys, a geological model is generated, meshed, and then used to run open-source GEOS Multiphysics simulations, all within Tessael's Web-GeO2 integrated software suite. We adopt a classical workflow in which geological surfaces are modeled from 2D seismic horizon and fault interpretations. A watertight structural model with well-defined compartments is built from these surfaces, and a hybrid mesh is generated to honor the compartment boundaries. The grid is then populated with mechanical and reservoir properties assigned to each region of the model through a streamlined user interface, along with well trajectories, open-hole sections, and fluid circulation parameters (flow rate, event duration, etc.). The finalized mesh and properties are used by GEOS to predict the thermo-hydro-mechanical behavior of the reservoir. This framework enables the simulation of coupled processes between fluid flow in fractured media, induced mechanical stresses, and thermal effects. Specifically, this multiphysics approach provides the necessary data to evaluate fault transmissivity and slip tendency. Through sensitivity analyses, we can then evaluate the risks of induced seismicity associated with varying injection scenarios. Building on this safety assessment, these coupled simulations further enable the optimization of well doublet placement. By precisely positioning production and injection wells, we can better manage thermal breakthrough and pressure maintenance. This approach directly refines the estimation of sustainable reservoir capacity and ensures long-term exploitation of geothermal resources within complex tectonic environments.},
 author = {Betrand, Lionel and Benedicto, Alexandre and Schifano, Verena and Laurent, Lucas and Borgese, Cédric and Li, Wan-Chiu},
 booktitle = {2026 {RING} meeting},
 language = {en},
 pages = {130},
 publisher = {ASGA},
 title = {From geophysical exploration to geothermal multiphysics simulation: an end-to-end worflow applied to the Upper Rhine Graben.},
 year = {2026}
}