Method and apparatus for generating seismic pulses to map subterranean fractures

A method for creating a plurality of micro-seismic events within fractures in a hydrocarbon bearing zone of a subterranean formation, the zone having a wellbore extending therethrough, the method comprising the steps of:

• injecting a plurality of first reactive particles into the fractures of the zone of the subterranean formation;
• injecting a plurality of second reactive particles into the fractures after injecting the first reactive particles;
• selectively attaching the second reactive particles to the first reactive particles;
• and
• causing, within the fractures, a plurality of reactions involving the plurality of first and second reactive particles;
• and
• creating a plurality of micro-seismic events in response to the reactions.

A method for creating a plurality of micro-seismic events within fractures in a hydrocarbon bearing zone of a subterranean formation, the zone having a wellbore extending therethrough, the method comprising the steps of:

• injecting a plurality of attachment site particles into the fractures of the zone of the subterranean formation;
• and then
• injecting a plurality of reactive particles into the fractures of the zone of the subterranean formation, each reactive particle having at least two reactive materials initially separated by a non-reactive partition;
• attaching at least some of the plurality of reactive particles to at least some of the plurality of attachment site particles;
• removing the partition;
• and
• creating a plurality of micro-seismic events at the locations of the reactive particles in the fractures by a reaction between the at least two reactive materials.