Present-day in-situ stress prediction in the Duvernay shale of Simonette Block, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

Abstract

The Duvernay Formation of Simonette Block is rich in shale oil and gas resources. The present-day in-situ stress field is a crucial parameter during the exploration and development in this block, a better understanding of which can assist with drilling and completion engineering, fracturing stimulation, and well deployment. In this study, the present-day in-situ stress in the Duvernay shale is predicted and analyzed based on well calculations and geomechanical modeling. The findings indicate that, I, NE-SW-trending is the dominant S Hmax orientation. The S Hmax and S hmin are the maximum and minimum principal stress, indicating that the Duvernay shale of Simonette Block is under a strike-slip faulting stress regime. II, The present-day in-situ stress in the Duvernay shale is heterogeneously distributed, which is controlled by lithology difference, fault development, and distribution. High stress values in the upper shale member D layer are mainly in the northwestern and central parts of Simonette Block. III, The present-day differential stress in the Duvernay shale mainly ranges from 15 MPa to 30 MPa. Bedding-parallel fractures are relatively developed, aiding in the creation of complex fracture networks. The results are expected to offer geological references for further development of shale oil and gas in the Simonette Block.