Fractured reservoirs are common exploration targets in fold and thrust belts because of the relatively high levels of structural deformation. In the Canadian Rocky Mountain foothills: 1) lithology and structure are the primary controls on fracture intensity and orientation, 2) intensity of effective fractures correlates to gas productivity, and 3) map curvature is a useful tool for pre-drill estimates of fracture intensity and expected flow rates. The results presented enable integration of lithologic and structural data from complex settings for improved fracture prediction, which is important for prospect evaluation, target selection, and drilling and completion strategies.

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