Abstract

Problem Statement and Objectives

The Austin Chalk is a revitalized unconventional play in Texas and Louisiana and necessitates a reexamination of key factors important to exploration and development, especially the impact of natural fractures on development strategies. Characterization of lithofacies and mechanical properties has been the subject of previous Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory (RCRL) research (2016 to present). As a logical next step, this study quantifies the impact mechanical stratigraphy has on natural fracture development. During this presentation, I examine an exposed extensional fault system nearly Milford, Texas, in detail and use the observations from outcrop to build a high-resolution fracture model of the exposure and surrounding area.

The objectives of this study are to:

• highlight the impact of variable strength lithofacies on natural fracture development (i.e., veins and opening-mode joints),

• utilize the exposure to characterize key fracture properties (e.g., orientation, length, and intensity) and construct a high-resolution outcrop fracture model,

• demonstrate the challenges of vertical and lateral upscaling of fractures to simulation, and

• attempt to model the interaction between natural and hydraulic fractures.