Includes bibliographical references (pages 442-478) and index.

Since the beginning of the US shale gas revolution in 2005, the development of unconventional oil and gas resources has gathered tremendous pace around the world. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the key geologic, geophysical, and engineering principles that govern the development of unconventional reservoirs. The book begins with a detailed characterization of unconventional reservoir rocks: their composition and microstructure, mechanical properties, and the processes controlling fault slip and fluid flow. A discussion of geomechanical principles follows, including the state of stress, pore pressure, and the importance of fractures and faults. After reviewing the fundamentals of horizontal drilling, multi-stage hydraulic fracturing, and stimulation of slip on pre-existing faults, the key factors impacting hydrocarbon production are explored. The final chapters cover environmental impacts and how to mitigate hazards associated with induced seismicity. This text provides an essential overview for students, researchers, and industry professionals interested in unconventional reservoirs. Provides a comprehensive overview of unconventional resources from nanometer scale pores to sedimentary basins with a scale of 100's of kilometres, allowing the reader to understand the full range of critical geologic and engineering issues. Intended for a wide audience from diverse technical disciplines, the book will allow engineers to learn key issues of seismology, seismologists to learn about geology, and geologists to learn about engineering. Written by expert authors from Stanford University, this will be an authoritative text on unconventional reservoirs for students, researchers and industry professionals.