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Fractured Devonian shale reservoir, Appalachian Basin

Conference · · Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5690615
Detailed structural analysis along the west flank of the Appalachian Basin in Kentucky and West Virginia demonstrates the importance of detached and basement deformation in developing fracture permeability within Devonian shales. A porous fracture facies of regional extent within the organic-rich lower Huron member of the Devonian shale partially relates to unique physical properties of the organic sediments, but an important factor for widespread gas production is fractures caused by differential shortening of sediments above a detachment surface in the lower Huron member. Mineralized, uniquely oriented, and slickensided fractures, and increased fracture intensity within the organic lower Huron shales perpendicular to Alleghanian stress support this interpretation. Linear trends of abnormally high final open flows in the producing area relate to trends of intensely fractured organic shale.
OSTI ID:
5690615
Report Number(s):
CONF-8206143-
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol., Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 66:5
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English