Abstracts

• 3083 Natural Fracture Patterns and Attributes Across a Range of Scales Natural fractures are a prominent and dramatic feature of many outcrops and are commonly observed in core, where they govern subsurface fluid flow and rock strength. Examples from more than 20 fractured reservoirs show a wide range of fracture sizes and patterns of spatial organization. These patterns can be understood in terms of geochemical and mechanical processes across a range of scales. Fractures in core show pervasive evidence of geochemical reactions; more than is typical of fractures in many outcrops. Accounting for geochemistry and size and size-arrangement and their interactions leads to better predictions of fluid flow. Natural Fracture Patterns and Attributes Across a Range of Scales
  Natural Fracture Patterns and Attributes Across a Range of Scales
• 3082 Natural Fractures in Shale Hydrocarbon Reservoirs Using examples from shale reservoirs worldwide, I demonstrate the diversity of shale-hosted fracture systems and present evidence for how and why various fractures systems form. Core and outcrop observations, strength tests on shale and on fractures in core, and geomechanical models allow prediction of fracture patterns and attributes that can be taken into account in well placement and hydraulic fracture treatment design. Both open and sealed fractures can interact with and modify hydraulic fracture size and shape. Open fractures can enhance reservoir permeability but may conduct treatment fluids great distances, in some instances possibly aseismically. Natural Fractures in Shale Hydrocarbon Reservoirs
  Natural Fractures in Shale Hydrocarbon Reservoirs