Lateral clay injection into normal faults

Abstract

ABSTRACT The clay content of fault gouge is one of the main factors controlling transport and mechanical properties of a fault zone. This paper addresses the process of lateral clay injection into normal faults, which is one of the many processes contributing to the development of clay smear, and can lead to local enrichment of clay in a fault gouge. We combined field observations with geomechanical models to quantify the parameters leading to lateral clay injection into fault zones. Detailed field study shows that a releasing fault bend in a clay layer is required for clay injection to occur. The clay injection process is often associated with the formation of a branch in the fault and the development of a “squeezing block” which injects the clay into the fault zone. A simple analytical model predicts the onset of clay injection when C = σ'v (1 - sin ϕ) / (2 cos ϕ), where C is cohesion (MPa), σ'v is vertical stress (MPa) and ϕ (°) is friction angle. More detailed analysis using 2-D geomechanical finite element models is in good agreement with the analytical models and allows study of the system at higher fault throw. Results of sandbox models containing layers of an elastoplastic clay analogue also compare well with field observations and numerical models, and show the initiation of the releasing step and the evolution of the clay injection process with increasing fault throw. Using our results it is possible to predict the likelihood of lateral clay injection in the subsurface, in settings like the Gharif formation of the Haushi group of Central and South Oman or the Natih formation of North Oman. This requires an estimation of the mechanical properties of the clays at the time of faulting; data which can be obtained from wireline logs and cuttings. This approach to fault seal analysis emphasizes the mechanical aspects of the clay smear process, in addition to the kinematics which were considered in previous analyses. Its application should lead to improved prediction of fault seal processes in the subsurface.