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Using structure restoration maps to comprehensively identify potential faults and fractures in compressional structures

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Abstract

Faults and fractures of multiple scales are frequently induced and generated in compressional structural system. Comprehensive identification of these potential faults and fractures that cannot be distinguished directly from seismic profile of the complex structures is still an unanswered problem. Based on the compressional structural geometry and kinematics theories as well as the structural interpretation from seismic data, a set of techniques is established for the identification of potential faults and fractures in compressional structures. Firstly, three-dimensional (3D) patterns and characteristics of the faults directly interpreted from seismic profile were illustrated by 3D structural model. Then, the unfolding index maps, the principal structural curvature maps, and tectonic stress field maps were obtained from structural restoration. Moreover, potential faults and fractures in compressional structures were quantitatively identified relying on comprehensive analysis of these three maps. Successful identification of the potential faults and fractures in Mishrif limestone formation and in Asmari dolomite formation of Buzurgan anticline in Iraq demonstrates the applicability and reliability of these techniques.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum Universit, Chengdu, 610500, China

    Cheng-hua Ou  (欧成华) & Wei Chen  (陈伟)

  2. State-owned Asset Management Office, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu, 610500, China

    Chao-chun Li  (李朝纯)

Authors
  1. Cheng-hua Ou  (欧成华)
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  2. Wei Chen  (陈伟)
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  3. Chao-chun Li  (李朝纯)
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cheng-hua Ou  (欧成华).

Additional information

Foundation item: Project(2014CB239205) supported by the National Basic Research Program of China; Project(20011ZX05030-005-003) supported by the National Science and Technology Major Project of China

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Ou, Ch., Chen, W. & Li, Cc. Using structure restoration maps to comprehensively identify potential faults and fractures in compressional structures. J. Cent. South Univ. 23, 677–684 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-016-3113-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-016-3113-1

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