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Spatial Distribution of Fractures in the Asmari Formation of Iran in Subsurface Environment: Effect of Lithology and Petrophysical Properties

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The distribution of fractures and its dependence on lithology and petrophysical properties of rock in the Asmari Formation were examined using three wells data of one of the largest oil fields of southwestern Iran. Fractures were measured on cut cores. Mineral content and petrophysical data were obtained through thin section study and core plug measurement respectively. Influence of mineral composition and petrophysical property of rocks on fracture density was explored statistically. Increasing quartz (sand) and anhydrite content of rocks decrease and dolomite increases the threshold of fracture densities, however no significant relation was observed between calcite content of rock and fracture density. Increasing porosity and permeability of rock decrease the threshold of fracture density in some of the defined lithology groups. There are significant differences between the lithology groups in terms of fracture density, although the results in the three wells are not the same. In whole data, the highest fracture density can be observed in dolostone. Limestone and impure carbonates hold broader spaced fractures and sandstones display the least fracture density. The average fracture densities in the wells are strictly different. These differences are the result of the structural position of the wells and also the trend of the well and fractures. The distribution of fractures in most lithology groups can be explained by the function: \(F = a/(1 + b\;D\exp (c))\), where F is relative frequency, D is fracture density and a, b, and c are constants.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Part of core fracture study was carried out by M. Azizzadeh, (RIPI), C. Von Winterfeld (Statoil, now in Shell Oman), K. B. Lyslo (Statoil), and petrographic data prepared by Honarmand, J. Z. Karimi, and S. Monibi. Data treatment and depth normalization carried out by A. A. Rahimibahar. We are grateful to them for their help and cooperation. We also acknowledge the help of Ali Vakili, the president of RIPI and M. R. Kamali, head of “E and P Research and Studies Division” by providing us with the data.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Petroleum Geology Research Department, E and P Research Centre, Research Institute of Petroleum Industry (RIPI), National School Oil Company, Tehran, Iran

    Masoud Nemati

  2. Department of Mathematics Statistics and Computer Science, University College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

    Hamid Pezeshk

  3. Petroleum Geology Research Department, RIPI, Pazhooheshgah Blvd. Khairabad, Old Qom Road, P.O. Box 18745-4163, Rey, Tehran, Iran

    Masoud Nemati

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  1. Masoud Nemati
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Correspondence to Masoud Nemati.

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Nemati, M., Pezeshk, H. Spatial Distribution of Fractures in the Asmari Formation of Iran in Subsurface Environment: Effect of Lithology and Petrophysical Properties. Nat Resour Res 14, 305–316 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-006-9000-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11053-006-9000-y

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