An integrated petrophysical and geomechanical characterization of Sembar Shale in the Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan, using well logs and seismic data

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Shale gas reservoirs are generally exploited through horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Petrophysical and geomechanical parameters help to determine horizontal well orientation, to select drilling mud densities for stable drilling operations, to assess the suitability of specific zones in a formation for hydraulic fracturing, and to assess required hydraulic fracturing pressures. The primary objective of this work was to characterize a shale interval in the Early Cretaceous-age Sembar Formation in the Lower Indus Basin of Pakistan, using only readily available data. A workflow was developed for the estimation and mapping of geomechanical properties using logs from multiple wells and relevant post-stack seismic reflection data. Mineralogy data from well cuttings, core testing results for elastic properties and hydraulic fracturing test data (mostly obtained from one key well) were utilized to constrain the values of the properties estimated from geophysical data. The following results obtained at the well-scale suggest that the Sembar Shale is favorable for development: high gas saturation, good porosity (up to 10%), moderate quantity of thermally mature organic matter (2%–4% TOC), a number of brittle intervals separated by thicker intervals that fall slightly below the brittle-ductile threshold, and a strike-slip stress regime. At the scale of the study area, robust statistical techniques were used to invert seismic stacks and develop a 3D mechanical earth model. This model shows a trend of increasing shale brittleness towards the northeastern portion of the study area, hence suggesting that this area might be most prospective for initial shale gas development. The results of sensitivity analyses are presented, which illustrate the potential errors in the estimated geomechanical properties. Future work to improve confidence in the shale gas potential of the Sembar Formation is given, including extensive coring and laboratory testing, in-situ stress and natural fracture characterization, and better delineation of shale thickness.