Higher success rates for discovery of gas and oil in naturally fractured reservoirs can be achieved by correlating discoveries and productivities with fracture intersection quadrants. These fracture intersection quadrants are formed by the intersection of the two predominant fracture directions. Higher success rates in a particular quadrant appear to be related to greater fracture density resulting from the downdip extensions of the fractures in the stratigraphic zone of interest. Plunge of the intersection should be considered to insure that the drill hole penetrates the projected intersection within the stratigraphic zone of interest.

Observations in Kentucky have shown success rates can be improved three-fold when drilling in the most favorable quadrant as opposed to the least favorable quadrant, and when the drill hole is located a proper distance from the fault intersection to allow for the downdip projection to the zone of interest.

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