Geomechanics and Naturally Fractured Reservoirs
Natural fractures and faults are the primary pathways for hydrocarbon migration and production in many reservoirs. Critically stressed fractures (pre-existing fractures active in today’s stress field) can systematically control permeability and, hence, fluid flow. GMI has demonstrated that faults and fractures with high resolved shear-to-normal stress ratios are likely to be active in the current stress field (i.e., these fault surfaces are critically stressed). As a result, these fault and fracture planes tend to have increased permeability and are likely to be hydraulically conductive.
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