Fractured Basements 

Fracture analysis of analogue Palaeozoic and crystalline reservoirs

Crystalline basement formations, especially granites, are increasingly being explored for hydrocarbons and also for geothermal power or heat projects. Other basement formations such as Devonian carbonates or Cambro-Ordovician quartzites also host reservoirs. This field trip aims to bring together geoscientists and engineers from these parallel industries to discuss and share experience and knowledge.

September 19-23, 2022

  • Overview of fractured reservoirs, exploration and production issues (classroom)
  • Structural geology and geomechanics for fractured reservoir characterisation and modelling (classroom)
  • Case histories (classroom)
  • Matrix and fracture properties in Palaeozoic sediments, granitic intrusives and layered metamorphic rocks 
  • Basement reservoir analogues at outcrop: granites, quartzites, folded and fractured Devonian carbonates, metamorphic formations 
  • Fracture types, properties and scales: from core to sub-seismic to seismic scale fractures
  • Static and dynamic fracture properties and relationships to production
  • Relationships between fractures, facies and mechanical stratigraphy
  • Characterising and predicting fractures in the sub-seismic volume
  • The coupled relationship between in situ stress, mechanical anisotropy and fracture distribution
  • Characterising fracture corridors and fault damage zones