Patent ID: 8439116

Claim:
A method of inducing fracture complexity within a second fracturing interval between a first fracturing interval and a third fracturing interval of a subterranean formation, the method comprising: defining a horizontal stress anisotropy-altering dimension, wherein the horizontal stress anisotropy-altering dimension comprises a spacing between two or more fracturing intervals, a net fracture extension pressure, a wellbore orientation, or combinations thereof; positioning a wellbore servicing apparatus configured to alter the horizontal stress anisotropy of the second fracturing interval of the subterranean formation within a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation; altering the stress anisotropy in accordance with the horizontal stress anisotropy-altering dimension within the second fracturing interval by decreasing the horizontal stress anisotropy within the second fracturing interval, reversing the orientation of the stress anisotropy within the second fracturing interval, or both, wherein altering the horizontal stress anisotropy comprises introducing a fracture into the first fracturing interval and introducing a fracture into the third fracturing interval, wherein introducing the fracture into the first fracturing interval comprises: providing a first route of fluid communication from the wellbore to the first fracturing interval, communicating a fluid to the first fracturing interval via the first route of fluid communication, and obstructing the first route of fluid communication, and wherein introducing the fracture into the third fracturing interval comprises: providing a third route of fluid communication from the wellbore to the third fracturing interval; communicating a fluid to the third fracturing interval via the third route of fluid communication; and obstructing the third route of fluid communication; and after the horizontal stress anisotropy of the second zone has been altered, introducing a fracture into the second fracturing interval.