Failure of cap-rock seals as determined from mechanical stratigraphy, stress history, and tensile-failure analysis of exhumed analogs

Journal Article · Sat Nov 01 00:00:00 EDT 2014 · AAPG Bulletin

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1306/06171413126· OSTI ID:1234518

Petrie, E. S. ^[1]; Evans, J. P. ^[1]; Bauer, S. J. ^[2]

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1. Utah State Univ., Logan, UT (United States)
2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

In this study, the sedimentologic and tectonic histories of clastic cap rocks and their inherent mechanical properties control the nature of permeable fractures within them. The migration of fluid through mm- to cm-scale fracture networks can result in focused fluid flow allowing hydrocarbon production from unconventional reservoirs or compromising the seal integrity of fluid traps. To understand the nature and distribution of subsurface fluid-flow pathways through fracture networks in cap-rock seals we examine four exhumed Paleozoic and Mesozoic seal analogs in Utah. We combine these outcrop analyses with subsidence analysis, paleoloading histories, and rock-strength testing data in modified Mohr–Coulomb–Griffith analyses to evaluate the effects of differential stress and rock type on fracture mode.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1234518
• Report Number(s): SAND-2014-17837J; 537608
• Journal Information: AAPG Bulletin, Vol. 98, Issue 11; ISSN 0149-1423
• Publisher: AAPG
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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58 GEOSCIENCES