Abstract
Recent experimental studies of ultrasonic velocity anisotropy in kerogen‐rich shales indicate that these rocks are characterized by a very strong anisotropic response related to a very fine, bedding‐parallel lamination of organic matter and preferred orientation of clay particles in the rock matrix (Vernik and Nur, 1992). This intrinsic anisotropy is further enhanced in thermally mature shales by bedding‐parallel microcracks caused by the processes of hydrocarbon generation (Vernik, paper in preparation). However, the potential of recognizing mature source‐rocks in situ using downhole sonic, crosshole seismic, or VSP data clearly depends on our ability to discriminate between these two major causes of elastic anisotropy, remove the effect of the intrinsic anisotropy, and estimate crack density and crack porosity from velocity measurements.
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