--> Abstract: Discrete Fracture Models of the Austin Chalk Group, by Christopher E. Wilson, Atilla Aydin, Mohammed Karimi-Fard, Lou Durlofsky, Amir Sagy, and Emily Brodsky; #90078 (2008)

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Discrete Fracture Models of the Austin Chalk Group

Christopher E. Wilson1, Atilla Aydin1, Mohammed Karimi-Fard2, Lou Durlofsky2, Amir Sagy3, and Emily Brodsky3
1Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
2Energy Resource Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
3Earth and Space Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA

We have studied the flow of fluids in the structurally complex Austin Chalk reservoir by constructing a series of three-dimensional Discrete Fracture Models (DFMs) and performing finite volume based fluid-flow simulations. DFMs were constructed based upon characterizations of fracture/fault networks found within outcrops of the Austin Chalk group located in different stratigraphic and structural settings throughout the Balcones Fault Zone, Texas. Fracture geometry and the distribution of fracture sets were measured in the field, either by hand or with a ground-based light detection and ranging (LiDAR) survey. Fracture connectivity was determined using cross-cutting/abutting relationships of different fracture sets. The results of this work allow the quantitative comparison of the impact of a range of fracture/fault networks upon the Austin Chalk reservoir and provide a systematic procedure for developing computationally inexpensive, upscaled continuum models based upon geologically constrained DFM’s.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas