John Comer1,
Anthony J. Park2,
Dorothy F. Payne2,
Kagan Tuncay2,
Peter J. Ortoleva2
(1) Indiana Geological Survey, Bloomington, IN
(2) Lab. for Computational Geodynamics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Abstract: Fracture Prediction with a 3-D
Finite Element
Diagenetic, Hydrologic, Mechanical Model
Prediction of the location and
characteristics of fractures in the subsurface is demonstrated using a unique
3-D
basin model, Basin RTM. Fracture networks arise out of the competition or
cooperation of a number of now well-established factors: stress, fluid
pressure, rock mineralogy and texture, and thermal history. Thus, to predict
fractures, one must coevolve all these factors. As a result, we are able to
illustrate the role of various geological factors on the present-day
distribution and effects of fractures. The factors we shall discuss include
basin thermal, overall tectonic, and deposition/erosion history as well as heat
flux and sea level.
We illustrate fracture
prediction with Basin RTM in the Piceance Basin (Colorado). We show both field-
and basin-scale simulations. The results show the coordinated dynamics of
methane generation and migration
with fracturing, faulting and spatially and
temporally varying thermal regimes. Results are compared with observations at
the MWX site and in the Rulison and other fields. We then conjecture as to the
producible natural gas reserves in less developed areas and formations within
the Piceance Basin. We comment on the future applications of our fracture
prediction technology to other basins.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90914©2000 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana