Duration - 01/10/2009 - 31/09/2013
Funding -A multi-company project brokered by ITF, Aberdeen
Co-ordinator - Fault Analysis Group, UCD
Research Partners
Basic Aims
Recent technological developments provide the basis for including many features of fault zones in reservoir flow models, such as fault property variations (using different algorithms, property distributions, correlation lengths etc.), displacement partitioning (associated with lenses and relay zones) and normal drag. Constraints from earlier outcrop studies permit broad definition of the principal parameters and related uncertainties of fault-zone related characteristics, but often offer only a qualitative or, at best, semi-quantitative, means of populating flow models. This project will establish quantitative parameters for fault zone characteristics, indexed to deformation conditions and host rock rheology, for a selection of the best exposed examples of normal faults (and systems). The project will provide an improved basis for defining appropriate fault rock algorithms (e.g. shale gouge ratio, shale smear factor etc.), related property distributions and correlation lengths, and for stochastic modelling of displacement-related issues (such as partitioning and normal drag). Outcrop studies will be complemented by simple flow models quantifying the impact of various fault zone attributes. Results will be presented in on-line atlas and handbook form, outlining procedures for decision making on fault zone modelling issues, including descriptions, photos and statistics of faults within a range of principally siliciclastic sequences.
Contact: John Walsh
Tel: +353 1 716 2169
Email
Project Web Site: for partners and sponsors only