An integrated approach to study the impact of fractures distribution on the Ilam-Sarvak carbonate reservoirs: a case study from the Strait of Hormuz, the Persian Gulf

Most of the Iranian hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Persian Gulf Basin and the Zagros Fold-Thrust Belt are composed of fractured carbonate rocks. In this regard, determining the spatial distribution of fractures has been a challenging issue. In this study, an integrated approach was applied for understanding the impact of fractures spatial distribution on the Ilam-Sarvak (Cenomanian to Santonian) carbonate reservoir rocks. For this purpose, seismic interpretation techniques along with geomechanical and geostatistical modeling were employed to characterize fractures at different scales. Initially, the relationship between fractures origin and the normal faults was investigated by conducting an in-situ stress analysis. Afterwards, the velocity deviation log (VDL) and fracture intensity log (FIL) were derived as fracture attributes from the interpretation of Formation Micro Imager (FMI) and conventional well logs. A 3D model of VDL and FIL was achieved by using a sequential Gaussian simulation (SGS) method. In order to achieve a more realistic and accurate model of the factures distribution, variations of the shear-wave velocity and geomechanical properties (Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio) were estimated by applying the advanced seismic interpretation techniques in the normal faults domain. The results show that the intensity of fractures increases once they are introduced to the normal faults, especially in the central part of the study area around well#2. Such a fractured zone is verified by fracture density log derived from FMI logs of the mentioned well. Obviously, there is a close-knit relationship between the fracture system and the normal faults. Eventually, secondary porosity caused by features was determined though identification of Hydraulic Flow Units (HFUs). Based on the porosity and permeability data, seven HFUs were determined for the Ilam-Sarvak reservoirs. The very high values of Log FZI indicate the possible presence of fractures. Overall, the fractures contributed to enhance the secondary porosity of the reservoir rocks though increasing matrix permeability. To sum up, the fractures system plays a critical role in controlling reservoir properties especially in the hanging-wall of normal faults where the majority of the macro and micro fractures are distributed

Natural Fractures Characterization and In Situ Stresses Inference in a Carbonate Reservoir—An Integrated Approach

In this paper, we characterized the natural fracture systems and inferred the state of in situ stress field through an integrated study in a very complex and heterogeneous fractured carbonate heavy oil reservoir. Relative magnitudes and orientations of the in-situ principal stresses in a naturally fractured carbonate heavy oil field were estimated with a combination of available data (World Stress Map, geological and geotectonic evidence, outcrop studies) and techniques (core analysis, borehole image logs and Side View Seismic Location). The estimates made here using various tools and data including routine core analysis and image logs are confirmatory to estimates made by theWorld Stress Map and geotectonic facts. NE-SW and NW-SE found to be the dominant orientations for maximum and minimum horizontal stresses in the study area. In addition, three dominant orientations were identified for vertical and sub-vertical fractures atop the crestal region of the anticlinal structure. Image logs found useful in recognition and delineation of natural fractures. The results implemented in a real field development and proved practical in optimal well placement, drilling and production practices. Such integrated studies can be instrumental in any E&P projects and related projects such as geological CO2 sequestration site characterization

A MULTIDISCIPLINARY ASSESSMENT OF HYALOCLASTITE DEPOSITS IN PETROLEUM SYSTEMS USING FIELD STUDIES, DRILL CORE, BOREHOLE IMAGE AND WIRE-LINE LOG DATASETS

This thesis aims to document hyaloclastite deposits in different depositional environments from field outcrops in Iceland to characterise lithofacies heterogeneity enabling comparison to subsurface datasets. Field hyaloclastite datasets from Stóri-Núpur (subaerial-marine transition) and Hjörleifshöfði (an emergent Surtseyan volcano) are used to support the interpretation of hyaloclastite and associated volcanic deposits in core, borehole image logs and wire-line log datasets from Hawaii (Hawaiian Scientific Drilling Project II – HSDP II borehole) and the Faroe-Shetland Basin (LOPRA1/1A well and the Rosebank field). This study provides additional constraints on lava delta formation in predominantly basaltic systems where hyaloclastite depositional profiles reflect localised extrusion pathways and syn-sediment reworking which control 3D lithofacies architecture. Furthermore this thesis documents the evolution of Hjörleifshöfði using field mapping and major/trace element geochemistry. Hjörleifshöfði can split into five phases of deposition charting the submarine to emergent building of the volcano, unique as it also records a phase of silicic volcanism (Sólheimar Ignimbrite) which dates late stage volcanism to no earlier than 12,383 C14 years BP. Petrophysical and petrographic observations suggest hyaloclastite deposits are unique in terms of their velocity/density and P and S wave relationships due to palagonite formation, basalt clast support, phenocryst and zeolite component amongst others which impacts on depth conversion and the calculation of reflection coefficients. Wire-line log response gamma-ray (GR), resistivity (RES), P-wave sonic velocity (Vp) is also closely linked to the dominant interstitial secondary minerals and phenocryst components of sideromelane glass. Borehole image log analysis of mixed volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks allows the accurate characterisation of distinct internal lava flow features, contact relationships and joint networks enabling better characterisation of volcanic sequences in the subsurface via careful comparison with field examples. Field, core and wire-line log data is combined to form a multidisciplinary assessment of hyaloclastite deposits in the subsurface suggesting that the complexity and scaling issues in hyaloclastite rocks is generally overlooked which may impact on future petroleum exploration in volcanic basins

Application of mixed and virtual reality in geoscience and engineering geology

Visual learning and efficient communication in mining and geotechnical practices is crucial, yet often challenging. With the advancement of Virtual Reality (VR) and Mixed Reality (MR) a new era of geovisualization has emerged. This thesis demonstrates the capabilities of a virtual continuum approach using varying scales of geoscience applications. An application that aids analyses of small-scale geological investigation was constructed using a 3D holographic drill core model. A virtual core logger was also developed to assist logging in the field and subsequent communication by visualizing the core in a complementary holographic environment. Enriched logging practices enhance interpretation with potential economic and safety benefits to mining and geotechnical infrastructure projects. A mine-scale model of the LKAB mine in Sweden was developed to improve communication on mining induced subsidence between geologists, engineers and the public. GPS, InSAR and micro-seismicity data were hosted in a single database, which was geovisualized through Virtual and Mixed Reality. The wide array of applications presented in this thesis illustrate the potential of Mixed and Virtual Reality and improvements gained on current conventional geological and geotechnical data collection, interpretation and communication at all scales from the micro- (e.g. thin section) to the macro- scale (e.g. mine)

Reservoir Characterization and Outcrop Analog: The Osagean Reeds Spring Formation (Lower Boone), Western Osage and Eastern Kay County, Oklahoma

The Reeds Spring Formation (Osagean) is a member of the Lower Mississippian carbonate series developed on the Cherokee Platform Province of northeastern Oklahoma. On the western flank of the Ozark Dome, these rocks dip in a west-southwest direction into the subsurface where they are oil and gas reservoirs. A series of road cuts and surface exposures are cropped out in the tri-state area of northwest Arkansas, northeastern Oklahoma, and southwestern Missouri. Outcrop characteristics, including an abundant amount of nodular, anastomosing chert, generally finer-grained carbonate texture, and stratigraphic relationships provide an analog for its subsurface counterpart. Based on core description and well log correlation, the Reeds Spring Formation developed in the Cherokee Platform in western Osage and eastern Kay County, Oklahoma reflect transportation of crinozoan detritus, spicules, and carbonate mud off the Burlington shelf, passing downslope from the north, northwest, and northeast, into deeper waters of the deep shelf margin setting. As the result, its subsurface lithologies are characterized by shaly fine-grained spiculitic crinoid wackestone. Subdivision of the formation, which exceeds 200 feet in the subsurface, offers more control on determining reservoir quality across a large study area (approx. 840 square miles). Criteria used to examine reservoir quality include clean carbonate content, true porosity, and high resistivity signatures. Additionally, Formation Micro-Image (FMI) log evaluation shows that the chert content does not develop in the Reeds Spring Formation where low gamma ray (\u3c40 \u3eAPI) and high resistivity (+90 ohm-m) signatures are absent. An anomalous amount of silt and clay content, identified by thin section and petrophysical analysis, reveals that the Reeds Spring Formation lacks vertically and laterally continuous reservoir grade rocks across a large area. Across western Osage and eastern Kay County, Oklahoma the lower member of the Reeds Spring offers the poorest reservoir quality, the middle member the best, and the upper member moderate quality

Visual pose estimation system for autonomous rendezvous of spacecraft

In this work, a tracker spacecraft equipped with a short-range vision system is tasked with visually identifying a target spacecraft and determining its relative angular velocity and relative linear velocity using only visual information from onboard cameras. Focusing on methods that are feasible for implementation on relatively simple spacecraft hardware, we locate and track objects in three-dimensional space using conventional high-resolution cameras, saving cost and power compared to laser or infrared ranging systems. Identification of the target is done by means of visual feature detection and tracking across rapid, successive frames, taking the perspective matrix of the camera system into account, and building feature maps in three dimensions over time. Features detected in two-dimensional images are matched and triangulated to provide three-dimensional feature maps using structure-from-motion techniques. This methodology allows one, two, or more cameras with known baselines to be used for triangulation, with more images resulting in higher accuracy. Triangulated points are organized by means of orientation histogram descriptors and used to identify and track parts of the target spacecraft over time. This allows some estimation of the target spacecraft's motion even if parts of the spacecraft are obscured or in shadow. The state variables with respect to the camera system are extracted as a relative rotation quaternion and relative translation vector for the target. Robust tracking of the state variables for the target spacecraft is accomplished by an embedded adaptive unscented Kalman filter. In addition to estimation of the target quaternion from visual Information, the adaptive filter can also identify when tracking errors have occurred by measurement of the residual. Significant variations in lighting can be tolerated as long as the movement of the satellite is consistent with the system model, and illumination changes slowly enough for state variables to be estimated periodically. Inertial measurements over short periods of time can then be used to determine the movement of both the tracker and target spacecraft. In addition, with a sufficient number of features tracked, the center of mass of the target can be located. This method is tested using laboratory images of spacecraft movement with a simulated spacecraft movement model. Varying conditions are applied to demonstrate the effectiveness and limitations of the system for online estimation of the movement of a target spacecraft at close range