--> Abstract: Process-Based Fault Seal/Conduit Prediction, by G. Ozkan, K. Tuncay, and P. Ortoleva; #90937 (1998).

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Abstract: Process-Based Fault Seal/Conduit Prediction

OZKAN, GONCA, KAGAN TUNCAY and PETER ORTOLEVA, Laboratory for Computational Geodynamics

Summary

A consideration of the many intra-fault mechanical and diagenetic processes highlights the difficulty in making simple correlation between general fault properties (type, angle, displacement, etc.)and the distribution of permeability and porosity within a fault. In our approach, a coupled reaction-transport-mechanical (RTM) model is developed for predicting the distribution and time course of permeability and porosity within a fault. The model incorporates gouge, fracturing, diagenesis, pressure solution, and fluid transport. Gouge related shear banding is shown to arise through the coupling of texture kinetics and deformation. These processes and their coupling also control the Spatial distribution and evolution of permeability and porosity. The model predicts the fracturing/healing cycle accompanying fault movement due to the irreversible deformation processes and related stress relief. We believe that such an RTM model is required to discriminate between conduit and sealing fault behavior.

Our tree dimensional model is applied to the Central Platform Uplift of the West Texas Permian Basin. The timing of fault motion and the related history of fault hydrologic properties are shown to be key to the understanding of petroleum trapping and migration.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90937©1998 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition, Salt Lake City, Utah