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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

CSPG Bulletin

Abstract


Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology
Vol. 29 (1981), No. 2. (June), Pages 250-258

Well Spacing and the Identification of Subsurface Drainage Systems

J.E. Robinson

ABSTRACT

The majority of subsurface stream systems are contoured as if they have a dendritic or random pattern. Such stream systems are not commonly found on the present-day topographic surface and are just as unlikely to occur in the subsurface.

The tendency toward dendritic interpretations of such patterns is strictly a function of the distance between control wells. It is not generally due to the prejudices of geologists or computer contouring programs. Insufficient data control will cause any drainage pattern to have a random appearance.

Computer contouring of a digitized topographic map illustrates how an increasing sample interval quickly destroys the true configuration of a fault-controlled river system. Spatial filtering will prolong the definition of the real pattern, but too few samples will cause the filtered maps to suggest an orthogonal rather than a random effect.

Assuming that structural patterns tend to persist throughout the sedimentary section, the present-day topographic surface may be the best model to follow in the interpretation of subsurface systems.


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