Deformation mechanisms and hydraulic properties of fault zones in unconsolidated sediments; the Roer Valley Rift System, The Netherlands

Bense, Victor; Berg, E.H. van den; Balen, R.T. van

doi:10.1007/s10040-003-0262-8

Cited by 115 publications

(78 citation statements)

References 33 publications

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“…Rawling & Goodwin 2003). They are commonly found in sands and poorly consolidated sandstones (Mandl et al 1977;Du Bernard et al 2002a;Bense et al 2003), and form the 'faults' produced in sandbox experiments (e.g. McClay & Ellis 1987).…”

Section: Disaggregation Bandsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deformation bands in sandstone: a review

Fossen

Schultz

Shipton

et al. 2007

JGS

602

344

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Deformation bands are the most common strain localization feature found in deformed porous sandstones and sediments, including Quaternary deposits, soft gravity slides and tectonically affected sandstones in hydrocarbon reservoirs and aquifers. They occur as various types of tabular deformation zones where grain reorganization occurs by grain sliding, rotation and/or fracture during overall dilation, shearing, and/or compaction. Deformation bands with a component of shear are most common and typically accommodate shear offsets of millimetres to centimetres. They can occur as single structures or cluster zones, and are the main deformation element of fault damage zones in porous rocks. Factors such as porosity, mineralogy, grain size and shape, lithification, state of stress and burial depth control the type of deformation band formed. Of the different types, phyllosilicate bands and most notably cataclastic deformation bands show the largest reduction in permeability, and thus have the greatest potential to influence fluid flow. Disaggregation bands, where non-cataclastic, granular flow is the dominant mechanism, show little influence on fluid flow unless assisted by chemical compaction or cementation.

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Section: Disaggregation Bandsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Deformation bands in sandstone: a review

Fossen

Schultz

Shipton

et al. 2007

JGS

602

344

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Cataclastic bands comprise a central core featuring grain crushing and pore collapse, encapsulated in a zone of grain compaction (Aydin 1978;Aydin & Johnson 1983). Generally, cataclastic bands form at greater burial depths (>1 km depth, than disaggregation bands, which are particularly common in loose or poorly consolidated sands (Mandl et al 1977;Du Bernard et al 2002;Bense et al 2003). Exceptions exist, however, and cataclastic bands formed in unconsolidated sand at near-surface depths have been reported (e.g.…”

Section: Faulting In Porous Clastic Rocksmentioning

confidence: 99%

Dynamic investigation of the effect of a relay ramp on simulated fluid flow: geocellular modelling of the Delicate Arch Ramp, Utah

Rotevatn

Tveranger

Howell

et al. 2009

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A fluid flow simulation study was performed to investigate potential contrasts in reservoir performance between models displaying a soft-linked relay ramp vs. models with a continuous fault. The relay ramp model is based on a well-exposed outcrop analogue -the Delicate Arch Ramp, Arches National Park, Utah. In outcrop, the relay ramp exhibits a pervasive system of cataclastic deformation bands, which were mapped and incorporated into the reservoir simulation models. Several models were simulated, using deformation-band permeability as the main variable tested. Results show that when compared to flow across continuous faults, the presence of soft-linked relay ramps enhances net flow across the fault zone in all tested scenarios. Comparing models with deformation bands to the model that includes the ramp but no deformation bands illustrates that, although having an impact on flow tortuosity and sweep efficiency, deformation bands must have a very low permeability and be numerous before having a negative impact on recovery. Deformation bands with midrange permeabilities were shown to have a positive effect on recovery in the relay models, as they increase flow tortuosity and enhance sweep, causing later water breakthrough and prolonging production. Using very low-permeable deformation bands in the same models caused extremely poor pressure communication between the fault-breached compartments, despite the geometric connectivity provided by the sub-continuous relay beds.

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“…(i) non-destructive grain reorganization (grain rolling, sliding, 'disaggregation'; Mandl et al 1977;Bense et al 2003;Rawling & Goodwin 2003); (ii) brittle cataclasis (grain flaking, fracturing and crushing; Aydin 1978;Jamison & Stearns 1982;Aydin & Johnson 1983;Lothe et al 2002;Saillet & Wibberley 2010;Rotevatn & Fossen 2012;Fossen et al 2015); (iii) dissolution and cementation (dissolution, redistribution and precipitation of dissolved material, e.g. through pressure solution; Gibson 1998;Tondi et al 2006;Cilona et al 2012).…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Do deformation bands matter for flow? Insights from permeability measurements and flow simulations in porous carbonate rocks

Rotevatn

Fossmark

Bastesen

et al. 2016

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We investigate the permeability and flow effects of deformation bands in porous granular carbonate rocks in Malta and use results from flow simulations to discuss the practical implications of deformation bands in carbonate and siliciclastic reservoirs rocks in general. Image-and laboratory-based analyses of deformation bands show permeabilities that are 1 -2 orders of magnitude lower than the adjacent host rocks. Small-scale outcrop-based flow models (1 × 1 m) focus on the effect of deformation band on flow at the scale of individual bands. Two-phase flow simulations (water displacing oil) show that at the local scale a decrease in deformation band permeability led to increasing flow complexity, reduced and irregular waterfront propagation and reduction in sweep efficiency. A reduction in host rock permeability is associated with increased sensitivity to deformation bands. In low-permeable host rocks, a single magnitude-order reduction of deformation band permeability significantly delays flow, whereas in higher-permeable host rocks the effect is less pronounced. Hence, in some cases, deformation bands may represent a significant impediment to flow already when they are only 1 -2 orders of magnitude less permeable than host rock. Consequently, deformation bands may have greater practical implications than previously thought, particularly in reservoir rocks with moderate to low host rock permeability.

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Deformation mechanisms and hydraulic properties of fault zones in unconsolidated sediments; the Roer Valley Rift System, The Netherlands

Cited by 115 publications

References 33 publications

Deformation bands in sandstone: a review

Deformation bands in sandstone: a review

Dynamic investigation of the effect of a relay ramp on simulated fluid flow: geocellular modelling of the Delicate Arch Ramp, Utah

Do deformation bands matter for flow? Insights from permeability measurements and flow simulations in porous carbonate rocks

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