--> Abstract: Present Day Stress Regime in Kuwait and Its Roles in Hydrocarbon Exploration, by Sunil K. Singh, Mohammed D. Al-Ajmi, Neema H. A. Al-Ajmi, Haiqing Wu, and Andrew Corley; #90039 (2005)

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Present Day Stress Regime in Kuwait and Its Roles in Hydrocarbon Exploration

Sunil K. Singh1, Mohammed D. Al-Ajmi1, Neema H. A. Al-Ajmi1, Haiqing Wu2, and Andrew Corley2
1 Kuwait Oil Company, Kuwait City, Kuwait
2 ChevronTexaco Kuwait, Kuwait City, Kuwait

With borehole breakout data collected in the past several years a more complete picture of present day stress distribution in Jurassic and Cretaceous sections in onshore Kuwait is presented in this paper.

The present day stress regime observed in onshore Kuwait shows significant directional variations. Borehole breakouts indicate present day stress to have a general orientation of NE-SW with a wide degree of variance off this general trend of up to 30 degrees. The variations are most probably due to local structural setting.

Natural fracture in Jurassic hydrocarbon reservoirs plays a key role in Kuwait carbonate exploration. These fractured reservoirs have proven to hold considerable upside opportunity for onshore Kuwait. An understanding of the relationship and effect present day stress on fracture network and orientation is essential to the successful execution of this high potential exploratory play.

The effects of present day stress on the exploration and production activities in Kuwait can be summarize in these areas: 1) intersection of high fracture density hot spots in vertical drilling, 2) intersection of open fractures in deciding the direction of horizontal and high angle trajectories, 3) guidance to hydraulic fracturing design and drainage areas around wellbores, and 4) determination of preferred fluid flow direction in water injection.

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