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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

Four Corners Geological Society

Abstract


Natural Fracture Systems in the Southern Rockies, 1999
Pages 149-149

Abstract: Mapping Mesaverde Fractures with 3-D Seismic Data

Gary S. Forrest1

Five 3-D seismic surveys have been used to successfully map tensional fractures (minor faults) in the Mesaverde Group of the San Juan Basin. Relatively common methodology was employed to define these fractures: horizon Previous HitslicesNext Hit through a coherency cube, amplitude maps, Previous HittimeNext Hit structure maps, and Previous HittimeNext Hit Previous HitslicesTop.

When the fracture maps were completed, the exploitation team compared the production histories of several hundred Mesaverde wells and selected a high production threshold that would represent only those wells that were obviously producing from open fractures. These anomalously high producers were posted on the fracture maps and the correlation between these wells and major fractures is greater than 90%.

Production interference observations were also posted on the fracture maps and the correlation was excellent.

In summary, the geophysical mapping of seismic scale fractures within the Mesaverde Group of the San Juan Basin provides a strong correlation to high production wells and interference phenomena. This methodology is currently being successfully used within Amoco to improve the production within our Mesaverde properties.

Acknowledgments and Associated Footnotes

1 Amoco Production Company, P.O. Box 800, Denver, CO 80201

Copyright © 2011 by the Four Corners Geological Society