--> Abstract: Simulation of Fault Patterns in Offshore Oil Fields of the Arabian Gulf, by Darrell W. Sims, Alan P. Morris, David A. Ferrill, Danielle Y. Wyrick, Yoshihiko Tamura, and Mamoru Takanashi; #90039 (2005)
[First Hit]

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Simulation of Previous HitFaultNext Hit Patterns in Offshore Oil Fields of the Arabian Gulf

Darrell W. Sims1, Alan P. Morris2, David A. Ferrill1, Danielle Y. Wyrick1, Yoshihiko Tamura3, and Mamoru Takanashi4
1 CNWRA, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
2 University of Texas San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
3 Japan Oil Development Company, Tokyo, Japan
4 Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC), Japan

Diapirism of Hormuz salt has produced giant hydrocarbon traps in the Arabian Gulf, and influences Previous HitfaultNext Hit and fracture patterns in overlying Mesozoic carbonate strata. Characterization of faulting in these fields is crucial for optimizing production. Variable Previous HitfaultNext Hit geometry from dome to dome has led to the Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit that domes reflect the reactivation of pre-Hormuz basement faults. We use physical analog models to characterize Previous HitfaultNext Hit and fracture patterns interpreted from seismic data over two adjacent domes in offshore Abu Dhabi. Important variables are: (i) geometric shape of the dome, (ii) regional strain affecting the domes and (iii) rates and timing of regional strain versus dome uplift. Results indicate that both domes grew during NE-SW directed regional extension. Variations between the structures result from differences in the above variables, rather than reactivation of faults rooted in basement. Previous HitStratigraphicNext Hit data indicate that both domes were most active between 90 and 80 Ma. The elliptical dome is characterized by a near-unimodal normal Previous HitfaultNext Hit population consistent with the regional extension direction. The irregularly shaped dome has a variety of Previous HitfaultNext Hit patterns from en echelon arrays, to rectilinear Previous HitfaultNext Hit networks, to fanning radial patterns, with significant variability throughout the structure. Duplication of these Previous HitfaultNext Hit patterns by analog modeling demonstrates that these Previous HitfaultNext Hit populations reflect a combination of regional extension, crestal (outer arc) extension bending strain, and radial displacement associated with dome growth. Characteristics of the analog Previous HitfaultNext Hit networks were used to inform simulations of sub-seismic scale Previous HitfaultTop populations for reservoir models.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005