Seismic detection of fractured Devonian shale reservoir. Annual report, July 1985-June 1986
Interpretation of seismic data over the Cottageville gas field in West Virginia reveals the presence of numerous changes in reflection character across the top of the Lower Huron shales. Production from the Lower Huron is fracture-controlled, and some of the more-pronounced changes in amplitude and shape occur in the more-productive areas of the field. Model studies indicate that these changes are related to the development of low-impedance intervals that extend into the overlying shales of the Middle Huron. Analysis of geophysical logs indicates that these differences are not produced by lithologic variability in the shale. Hence, the observed changes in reflection character are believed to be associated with intense fracturing. Studies here suggest that the analysis of seismic data can be combined with other data to reduce the risk associated with exploration and development of Devonian shale gas resources. Final open-flow of gas and geologic structure from >4000 shale gas wells in eastern Kentucky outlines two high-flow areas. Interrelationships between geologic structure and gas flow are direct in one, but they are complex and unresolved in the other. Linear, steep flow gradients and the interrelationships of high-flow to structure confirm the importance of tectonic fracture permeability to shale productivity.
- Research Organization:
- West Virginia Univ., Morgantown (USA). Dept. of Geology
- OSTI ID:
- 6884115
- Report Number(s):
- PB-87-134078/XAB
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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BLACK SHALES
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
KENTUCKY
NATURAL GAS FIELDS
WEST VIRGINIA
FLOW RATE
SEISMIC DETECTION
BITUMINOUS MATERIALS
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHATTANOOGA FORMATION
DETECTION
ENERGY SOURCES
FEDERAL REGION III
FEDERAL REGION IV
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
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GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
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MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NORTH AMERICA
OIL SHALES
RESOURCES
USA
030300* - Natural Gas- Drilling
Production
& Processing