AMOS, JOHN F.¹, and DAVID J. CAMPAGNA¹, and DAVID HILL^2
1Advanced Resources International, Inc., Arlington, VA
²Gas Research Institute, Chicago, IL

Abstract: Integrating Natural Fracture Observations at Various Scales for Identifying Fracture-Enhanced Permeability in the New Albany Shale, Southern Illinois Basin

We conducted an integrated natural fracture characterization of the southern Illinois basin in Indiana and Kentucky to identify potential "sweet spots" of fracture-enhanced permeability for natural gas production from the Devonian New Albany Shale. We present a comparison of natural fracture characteristics observed at various scales and depths of investigation. Fractures at the surface are mapped by performing detailed analysis of linear geomorphic features using Landsat^TM satellite images. Basement structure is determined using aeromagnetic data. Comparison of surface features with basement structure identifies significant structural trends that may influence structural, stratigraphic, and diagenetic patterns within the basin, as well as fracture development in the overlying sediments. Air photos and outcrop fracture measurements are being used in selected areas to evaluate the satellitebased mapping. Borehole imaging was conducted on a suite of recent gas wells in the New Albany Shale. Natural fracture patterns detected in the borehole are compared directly to surface fracturing mapped on the satellite imagery, to determine structural influences on fracture development and distribution that affect gas production from the shale.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90928©1999 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas