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Geology of the fractured Austin and Buda formations in the subsurface of south Texas

Journal Article · · Trans., Gulf Coast Assoc. Geol. Soc.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5872044

Where the systems of fractures in the Austin chalk or Buda lime are numerous and extensive or when swarms of mirco-fractures or some matrix porosity is found containing oil, then not only will there be a good initial production, but the stabilized level of production will be established at a high and satisfying rate. When few fractures are penetrated and porosity or the very fine fractures are scarce then a poor well can be expected. There are interesting exceptions to these patterns. Deeper structural geology and seismology has indicated favorable areas of fracturing in the Austin. These areas which indicate buried ridges, old faults or salt pillows in the lower Cretaceous and Jurassic serve to make local differential compaction or strain fractures in the Austin chalk and Buda lime. Zones of weakness often are found in parallel pairs (or more) or alignments. There are cases of secondary sets of fractures running at 40 to 80 to prevailing alignments and running up-dip and down-dip to the strike of the Austin chalk. 30 references.

OSTI ID:
5872044
Journal Information:
Trans., Gulf Coast Assoc. Geol. Soc.; (United States), Journal Name: Trans., Gulf Coast Assoc. Geol. Soc.; (United States) Vol. 27; ISSN TGCGA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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