--> Abstract: Volumetric Curvature-Attribute Applications for Detection of Fracture Lineaments and Their Calibration; #90063 (2007)
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Volumetric Curvature-Attribute Applications for Detection of Fracture Lineaments and Their Calibration

 

Chopra, Satinder1, Kurt J. Marfurt2 (1) Arcis Corporation, Calgary, AB (2) University of Houston, Houston, TX

 

Curvature attribute applications on 3D seismic horizon surfaces have recently been demonstrated for the prediction of fractures. Different curvature attributes have been shown to be correlated with open fractures measured on outcrops. These applications are limited by the interpreter's ability to pick horizons of interest on 3D seismic data volumes. This could be a challenging task in datasets contaminated with noise and also in zones where the rock interfaces do not exhibit significant impedance contrast to warrant a pickable horizon. Very recently, volumetric computation of curvature has been introduced, which dispels the need for horizons and provides valuable information on fractures orientation and density in zones where horizons are not trackable. Several applications of volume curvature have been completed in different geological settings, that define small scale faults, isolate highly fractured zones and also relate such fractures to spatial variation of strain.

 

While a direct prediction of open fractures using curvature attributes requires a significant amount of calibration through the use of production, tracer, image logs or microseismic measurements, volumetric curvature attribute analysis serves as a powerful aid to Previous HitstratigraphicNext Hit Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit. Such fault/fracture Previous HitinterpretationNext Hit has been ably supplemented with a calibration procedure with well log data, in that the orientations of the fault/fracture lineaments interpreted on curvature displays can be combined in the form of rose diagrams, which in turn can be compared with similar diagrams obtained from FMI (Formation Micro-Imager) well logs to gain confidence in calibration. Previous HitInterpretationNext Hit and calibration of Previous HitstratigraphicTop features on volume curvature displays will be demonstrated.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California