Improved statistical multi-scale analysis of fractured reservoir analogues

This paper includes the results of the application of novel methodologies for the statistical analysis of tensile fracture attributes (spacing, density, and aperture). The statistical methods have been applied to a fractured Lower Cretaceous carbonate succession cropping out in the Sorrento Peninsula (Naples area, Italy), representing a geological analogue of buried reservoirs of southern Apennines major oil fields. As fracture networks (observable from outcrop to the crystal scale) can significantly affect the hydraulic behavior of a fractured reservoir, the definition of appropriate models of fracture spacing and aperture probability distribution at various scales represents an important goal of structural analysis. In order to achieve such an objective, sampling has been carried out at different scales, by means of traditional scan lines at outcrop, as well as micro-scan lines carried out both by a digital micro-camera (50x) and by the optical microscope (200x). Fracture spacing and density analysis are mainly aimed at establishing the characteristics of joint spatial distribution over a range of scales. Aperture analysis is aimed at verifying that the aperture cumulative frequency is described by a power law and, in the latter instance, to provide an effective method for a more precise determination of the exponent of the power law. Finally, new expressions are provided, in closed form, in order to calculate the confidence interval of the power-law exponent. The proposed criteria provide handy and effective methods for a significantly improved statistical analysis of fracture attributes. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.