Abstract
The complex patterns of normal faults in sedimentary basins are commonly attributed to a complex geological history with varying directions of tectonic extension. However, we show an example of normal faulting from a North Sea hydrocarbon reservoir where the variability in secondary fault orientations can be attributed to stress perturbations that developed around the larger faults during a single phase of extension. This is demonstrated by comparing attributes of the stress fields computed around largest faults from detailed three-dimensional (3D) geomechanical models, with fault data such as discretized fault orientation and density observed from a high quality 3D seismic reflection survey. The modeling results show the strong influence of the irregular geometry (bends and intersections) of larger faults on the development of smaller faults. Methods developed in this study can be applied to predict likely locations and orientations of subseismic faults.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.