Coupled with strain analysis and 3D Stress, fracture networks can be generated using active geological controls to condition the network. A key feature is the ability to model fracture generation at any stage in the evolution of the reservoir and to model the fracture generation response to inversion or changes in stress as well as tectonic strain. Analysis and model building are fast and simple within 3D Move enabling multiple realisations to be produced. This enables sensitivity of the fracture network to various parameters to be investigated and alternative fracture sets to be provided for the fluid flow model. A thrust fold example from the animation above shows the depth variation on a compressional fault-bend fold which is colour mapped to the top reservoir surface.
Red colours represent the fold crests.
Curvature of the reservoir surface has been determined and used as an attribute for the fracture generator probability. The finite strain variation for the formation of the fold has been used as an attribute for the variation of fracture orientation. The fractures have been generated in a compressive environment relating to the final stages of thrust fold formation. The image shows a stochastic model of the mode 1 fracture system that could be formed where the curvature variation defines the frequency of fractures and the finite strain axes controls the orientation of the fracture system. This model is validated with reference to well or other data and is then ready for output and use in a fluid flow simulator.