Identifying Natural Fractures in Unconventional Carbonate Source Rocks in Abu Dhabi by Comparing Borehole Image Logs and Drilling Parameters to 3D Seismic Fracture Analysis Techniques

The identification of high-prospectivity areas in unconventional fields is a critical aspect of optimizing hydrocarbon recovery and ensuring economic viability. These are areas within the reservoir that exhibit higher porosity and permeability, making them prime targets for drilling and production. The integration of seismic inversion results, which provide insights into the porosity of the rock, with the identification of fractured areas that enhance permeability, offers a comprehensive approach to delineate these favorable zones. Seismic inversion is a powerful tool that transforms seismic reflection data into a quantitative rock-property description of the reservoir. It enables the prediction of porosity variations within the subsurface, which is a key attribute in evaluating the quality of unconventional reservoirs. By integrating seismic inversion results with the identification of natural fractures or artificially induced fractures, geoscientists can better understand the reservoir's heterogeneity and fluid flow characteristics. Fractures play a significant role in unconventional reservoirs as they can significantly enhance permeability, a critical factor in formations where matrix permeability is inherently low. The presence of fractures can transform an otherwise tight rock into a productive reservoir. Therefore, the accurate mapping of fractured zones, in conjunction with porosity data from seismic inversion, is essential for the effective exploitation of unconventional resources.