About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Special Volumes

Abstract


Pub. Id: A010 (1972)

First Page: 82

Last Page: 106

Book Title: M 16: Stratigraphic Oil and Gas Fields--Classification, Exploration Methods, and Case Histories

Article/Chapter: Reservoirs in Fractured Rock: Geologic Exploration Methods

Subject Group: Field Studies

Spec. Pub. Type: Memoir

Pub. Year: 1972

Author(s): David W. Stearns, Melvin Friedman

Editor(s): H. R. Gould

Abstract:

In recent years three developments which have evolved more or less independently, when related, may be of value to the petroleum industry. First is the recognition, through normal oil field development, that fractures are significant to both reservoir capacity and performance. Second is the fact that controlled laboratory experiments have produced, in increasing quality and quantity, empirical data on rupture in sedimentary rocks. These data have been segregated to demonstrate the individual control on rupture of several important parameters: rock type, depth of burial, pore pressure, and temperature. The third development consists of the discovery of new methods to recognize, evaluate, use, and, in some cases, see fractures in the subsurface. This discussion of these thr e developments may help geologists and engineers to find new approaches to exploration and exploitation of fractured reservoirs. Reservoir and production engineers presently make the greatest use of fracture data, but geologists should find this information useful in exploration for oil and gas trapped in subsurface fractures. Except in the search for extensions to proved fracture reservoirs, there is in the literature a paucity of clear-cut examples of the use of fracture porosity data in advance of drilling. For this reason, several speculative exploration methods discussed herein implement mapping of fracture facies as well as stratigraphic facies.

Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24