Fractual interrelationships in field and seismic data. Final report
Fractals provide a description of physical patterns over a range of scales in both time and space. Studies presented herein examine the fractal characteristics of various geological variables such as deformed bed-lengths, fold relief, seismic reflection arrival time variations, drainage and topographic patterns, and fracture systems. The studies are also extended to consider the possibility that the fractal characteristics of these variables are interrelated. Fractal interrelationships observed in these studies provide a method for relating variations in the fractal characteristics of seismic reflection events from reservoir intervals to the fractal characteristics of reservoir fracture systems, faults, and fold distributions. The work is motivated by current exploration and development interests to detect fractured reservoirs and to accurately predict flow rates and flow patterns within the fractured reservoir. Accurate prediction requires an understanding of several reservoir properties including the fractal geometry of the reservoir fracture network. Results of these studies provide a method to remotely assess the fractal characteristics of a fractured reservoir, and help guide field development activities. The most significant outgrowth of this research is that the fractal properties of structural relief inferred from seismic data and structural cross sections provide a quantitative means to characterize and compare complex structural patterns. Production from fractured reservoirs is the result of complex structural and stratigraphic controls; hence, the import of fractal characterization to the assessment of fractured reservoirs lies in its potential to quantitatively define interrelationships between subtle structural variation and production. The potential uses are illustrated using seismic data from the Granny Creek oil field in the Appalachian Plateau.
- Research Organization:
- West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV (United States). Dept. of Geology and Geography
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG21-95MC32158
- OSTI ID:
- 484155
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/MC/32158-5437; ON: DE97002129
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 7 Jan 1997
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Fractal interrelationship in field and seismic data. Fifth quarterly technical report, March 21--June 21, 1996
Fractal interrelationships in field and seismic data. Quarterly report, September 21 - December 31, 1995