Facies and mechanical stratigraphy control fracture intensity, topology and fractal dimension in folded turbidite sandstones, Northern Apennines, Italy

Fracture network intensity, topology and connectivity have been frequently analysed using circular scan windows, an efficient method for geometrical properties characterization, although affected by truncation and censoring. Many studies that use circular scans focus on the spatial variation of the geometrical properties in relation to tectonic structures such as faults and folds, and at the regional scale. A lower amount of information is available in the literature on the relations between depositional features, mechanical and petrophysical properties of facies, and the corresponding fracture network geometrical attributes. In this contribution, we focus on these relationships, which are fundamental controlling factors for predicting fracture geometry in the subsurface and for improving modelling in exploration, production and management of reservoirs for fluid exploitation and storage. We characterized these properties in 35 selected turbidite beds of the Marnoso-arenacea Fm., in the Northern Apennines of Italy, exposed along a 250 m-thick section. Moreover, we calculate the fractal dimensions of fracture networks through the box-counting method. Our data indicate that depositional facies control porosity and uniaxial compressive strength, as well as fracture intensity and fracture network topology. We show that fracture intensity is invariant and unrelated to the sandstone facies thickness in medium-grained turbidite beds. On the other hand, a strong control on fracture intensity in fine-grained turbidite beds is also exerted by the thickness of bounding claystone, which is higher when the bounding claystone is thicker. Moreover, we observe that the cross joint pattern and strike could be influenced by the depositional structures. • Fracture pattern orientation and geometry are controlled by the depositional structures in turbidite sandstone facies. • Facies strongly control fracture intensity and connectivity; topology and fractal dimension are weakly controlled. • Higher fracture intensity in fine sandstones at increasing bounding claystone thickness but not in medium sandstones.