Sampling of fault populations using sub-surface data: a review

Yielding, Graham; Needham, Tim; Jones, Helen

doi:10.1016/s0191-8141(96)80039-3

Cited by 108 publications

(67 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Faulting at medium-scale (displacement between c. 30 m and a few dm) can usually neither be recognized on seismic data nor well data (e.g. Gauthier and Lake, 1993;Yielding et al, 1996). However, faulting at this medium-scale plays an important role in reservoirs: large individual reservoirs can be disrupted by faults that enhance fluid flow, or produce compartmentalized deposits due to cementation of fractures (e.g.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prediction of subseismic faults and fractures: Integration of three-dimensional seismic data, three-dimensional retrodeformation, and well data on an example of deformation around an inverted fault

Lohr¹,

Krawczyk²,

Tanner³

et al. 2008

Bulletin

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Prediction of sub-seismic faults and fractures:Integration of 3D seismic data, 3D retro-deformation, and well data on an example of deformation around an inverted fault AbstractIn addition to seismically mapped fault structures, a large number of faults below the limit of seismic resolution contribute to sub-surface deformation. However, a correlation between large-and small-scale faults is difficult because of their strong variation in orientation. A workflow to analyse deformation over different scales is described here. Based on the combination of seismic interpretation, coherency analysis, geostatistical analysis, kinematic modelling, and well data analysis, we constrained the density and orientation of sub-seismic faults, and made predictions about reactivation and opening of fractures.We interpreted faults in seismic and coherency volumes at scales between several km and a few tens of meters. 3D retro-deformation was performed on a detailed interpreted 3D structural model to simulate strain in the hanging wall at the time of faulting, at a scale below seismic resolution. The modelling results show that (1) considerable strain is observed more than 1 km away from the fault trace, and (2) deformation around the fault causes strain variations, depending on the fault morphology. This strain variation is responsible for the heterogeneous sub-seismic fracture distribution observed in wells. We linked the fracture density from well data with the modelled strain magnitude, and used the strain magnitude as a proxy for fracture density. With this method we can predict the relative density of small-scale fractures in areas without well data. Furthermore, knowing the orientation of the local strain axis we predict fault strike, and opening or reactivation of fractures during a particular deformation event.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prediction of subseismic faults and fractures: Integration of three-dimensional seismic data, three-dimensional retrodeformation, and well data on an example of deformation around an inverted fault

Lohr¹,

Krawczyk²,

Tanner³

et al. 2008

Bulletin

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“…Fig. 3.1 shows examples of four fractured rock mass realizations using four of the different field data given in Table 3 , (c) Gauthier and Lake (1993), and (d) Yielding et al (1996).…”

Section: Fractured Rock Mass Permeabilitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Training and Research on Probabilistic Hydro-Thermo-Mechanical Modeling of Carbon Dioxide Geological Sequestration in Fractured Porous Rocks

Gutierrez¹

2013

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Colorado School of Mines conducted research and training in the development and validation of an advanced CO 2 GS (Geological Sequestration) probabilistic simulation and risk assessment model. CO 2 GS simulation and risk assessment is used to develop advanced numerical simulation models of the subsurface to forecast CO 2 behavior and transport; optimize site operational practices; ensure site safety; and refine site monitoring, verification, and accounting efforts. As simulation models are refined with new data, the uncertainty surrounding the identified risks decrease, thereby providing more accurate risk assessment. The models considered the full coupling of multiple physical processes (geomechanical and fluid flow) and describe the effects of stochastic hydro-mechanical (H-M) parameters on the modeling of CO 2 flow and transport in fractured porous rocks. Graduate students were involved in the development and validation of the model that can be used to predict the fate, movement, and storage of CO 2 in subsurface formations, and to evaluate the risk of potential leakage to the atmosphere and underground aquifers. The main major contributions from the project include the development of: 1) an improved procedure to rigorously couple the simulations of hydro-thermomechanical (H-M) processes involved in CO 2 GS; 2) models for the hydro-mechanical behavior of fractured porous rocks with random fracture patterns; and 3) probabilistic methods to account for the effects of stochastic fluid flow and geomechanical properties on flow, transport, storage and leakage associated with CO 2 GS. The research project provided the means to educate and train graduate students in the science and technology of CO 2 GS, with a focus on geologic storage. Specifically, the training included the investigation of an advanced CO 2 GS simulation and risk assessment model that can be used to predict the fate, movement, and storage of CO 2 in underground formations, and the evaluation of the risk of potential CO 2 leakage to the atmosphere and underground aquifers.Page 5 BACKGROUND AND MOTIVATION IntroductionWith the increasing emission of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, their reduction has become of paramount importance. Carbon capture and sequestration in appropriate geologic formations (saline aquifers, coal seams, and oil and gas reservoirs) are one of the promising methods to reduce the release of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. However, there is still much work needed to be done to better account for the processes involved of CO 2 geological sequestration. Chief among these is the need to understand and predict the fate, movement, transport, storativity and potential leakage of CO 2 injected in sequestration reservoirs. Numerical models can help improve this understanding and can play significant roles in planning, design and management of CO 2 geological sequestration projects.The development and use of numerical models to CO 2 geological sequestration have many challenges. Chief among these is that CO 2 geological s...

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“…If their distribution is unpredictable or poorly understood they can be modelled stochastically by assuming or observing a size, frequency relationship such as a fractal or power-law distribution and extrapolating downscale (Childs et al 1990;Gauthier & Lake 1993;Mäkel). There are potential pitfalls in the analysis of such data (Heffer & Bevan 1990;Cowie et al 1996;Yielding et al 1996;Belfield 1998) and it is only meaningful within a genetically related range of structures. Subseismic faults might reasonably be extrapolated downscale from seismic faults but in circumstances where mechanical stratigraphy exercises a strong control on the fracturing process, fault or fracture systems may not have fractal geometries and the notion of extrapolation of fault size distributions could be flawed (see Nicol et al 1996 andSoliva &Benedicto 2005 for discussion).…”

Section: Subseismic Scale Faultingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Childs et al 1995);and (v) fault populations (e.g. Yielding et al 1996;Cowie et al 1996). There are, of course, many outstanding technical issues relating to the geometry and kinematics of faults, some of which are considered in this volume.…”

Section: Fault Geometrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Structurally complex reservoirs: an introduction

Jolley

Barr

Walsh

et al. 2007

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Structurally complex reservoirs form a distinct class of reservoir, in which fault arrays and fracture networks, in particular, exert an over-riding control on petroleum trapping and production behaviour. With modern exploration and production portfolios commonly held in geologically complex settings, there is an increasing technical challenge to find new prospects and to extract remaining hydrocarbons from these more structurally complex reservoirs. Improved analytical and modelling techniques will enhance our ability to locate connected hydrocarbon volumes and unswept sections of reservoir, and thus help optimize field development, production rates and ultimate recovery. This volume reviews our current understanding and ability to model the complex distribution and behaviour of fault and fracture networks, highlighting their fluid compartmentalizing effects and storage-transmissivity characteristics, and outlining approaches for predicting the dynamic fluid flow and geomechanical behaviour of structurally complex reservoirs. This introductory paper provides an overview of the research status on structurally complex reservoirs and aims to create a context for the collection of papers presented in this volume and, in doing so, an entry point for the reader into the subject. We have focused on the recent progress and outstanding issues in the areas of: (i) structural complexity and fault geometry; (ii) the detection and prediction of faults and fractures; (iii) the compartmentalizing effects of fault systems and complex siliciclastic reservoirs; and (iv) the critical controls that affect fractured reservoirs.Structurally complex reservoirs form a distinct class of reservoir in which fault arrays and fracture networks, in particular, exert an over-riding control on petroleum trapping and production behaviour

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Sampling of fault populations using sub-surface data: a review

Cited by 108 publications

References 24 publications

Prediction of subseismic faults and fractures: Integration of three-dimensional seismic data, three-dimensional retrodeformation, and well data on an example of deformation around an inverted fault

Prediction of subseismic faults and fractures: Integration of three-dimensional seismic data, three-dimensional retrodeformation, and well data on an example of deformation around an inverted fault

Training and Research on Probabilistic Hydro-Thermo-Mechanical Modeling of Carbon Dioxide Geological Sequestration in Fractured Porous Rocks

Structurally complex reservoirs: an introduction

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