Mini thief zones: Sub-centimeter sedimentary features enhance fracture connectivity in shales

Mccay, A. , Shipton, Z. K., Lunn, R. J. and Gale, J. F. (2019) Mini thief zones: Sub-centimeter sedimentary features enhance fracture connectivity in shales. AAPG Bulletin, 103(4), pp. 951-971. (doi: 10.1306/0918181610617114)

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Abstract

This study examines the influences on fluid flow within a shale outcrop where the networks of two distinct palaeo-flow episodes have been recorded by calcite-filled veins and green alteration halos. Such direct visualisation of flow networks is relatively rare and provides valuable information of fluid flow behaviour between core and seismic scale. Detailed field mapping, fracture data, and sedimentary logging were used over a 270m2 area to characterise the palaeo-fluid flow networks in the shale. Distal remnants of turbidite flow deposits are present within the shale as very thin (1-10mm) fine grained sandstone bands. The shale is cut by a series of conjugate faults and an associated fracture network; all at a scale smaller than seismic detection thresholds. The flow episodes utilised fluid flow networks consisting of subgroups of both the fractures and the thin turbidites. The first fluid flow episode network was mainly comprised of thin turbidites and shear fractures, whereas the network of the second fluid flow episode was primarily small joints (opening mode fractures) connecting the turbidites. The distribution of turbidite thicknesses follows a negative exponential trend; which reflects the distribution of thicker turbidites recorded in previous studies. Fracture density varies on either side of faults, and is highest in an area between closely spaced faults. Better predictions of hydraulic properties of sedimentary-structural networks for resource evaluation can be informed from such outcrop sub-seismic scale characterisation. These relationships between the sub-seismic features could be applied when populating discrete fracture networks models, for example, to investigate such sedimentary-structural flow networks in exploration settings.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:This work was funded by Nuclear Decommissioning Authority EPSRC CASE award GR/T11340/01.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Mccay, Dr Alistair and Shipton, Dr Zoe
Authors: Mccay, A., Shipton, Z. K., Lunn, R. J., and Gale, J. F.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Infrastructure and Environment
College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences
Journal Name:AAPG Bulletin
Publisher:AAPG
ISSN:0149-1423
ISSN (Online):0149-1423
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2019 The American Association of Petroleum Geologists
First Published:First published in AAPG Bulletin 103(4):951-971
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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