Fluid Production Dataset for the Assessment of the Anthropogenic Subsidence in the Po Plain Area (Northern Italy)

Abstract

Fluid produced/injected volumes from/into underground natural formations and their spatial allocation play a key role in addressing the superposition of anthropogenic subsidence effects, but the definition of coherent datasets is usually very challenging. In this paper, the creation of a gas and water production dataset for the Po Plain area in northern Italy is presented, focusing on the Emilia-Romagna region (an industrialized, highly-populated area characterized by rapid subsidence). The produced volumes and their spatial/temporal allocation are gathered from different sources, analyzed, and organized via dedicated georeferenced maps. The geological framework of the Po Plain is delineated, with attention to the superficial aquifers. Reference ranges of petrophysical and pseudo-elastic parameters are reported for both aquifer and reservoir formations. Water extractions from the superficial unconsolidated sediments are widespread, both in space and time; instead, primary gas production and underground storage of natural gas, involving deeper formations, are spatially and temporally well constrained. Drastic increases in water production and high concentrations of gas production temporally coincided between the 1950s and 1970s. The ‘hotspots’ of the strongest superposition are recognized in Piacenza, Ferrara, Bologna, and Ravenna provinces. Qualitative and quantitative information represent a reference source for both Oil and Gas Societies and Regional/National authorities in addressing the subsidence analysis to plan the field production life and predict the environmental consequences.

Keywords

• anthropogenic subsidence
• water production
• natural gas production
• underground gas storage
• superposition of anthropogenic effects