Determining tectonic fault characteristics in oil and gas field structures using Juxtaposition diagrams: a case study of the Darvin Bank

The type of tectonic faults plays an important role in issues such as migration and accumulation of hydrocarbons, formation of traps, determination of the direction of prospecting and exploration works, preparation of development projects, etc. For this reason, determining the characteristics type of tectonic faults in the exploration, development and exploitation of oil-gas fields is one of the main problems. There have been a number of approaches communicated both internationally and in local Azerbaijani publications. Juxtaposition diagrams, which are drawn up by taking into account the spatial position of faults and lithological characteristics of the surrounding sediments, are widely used in the search for fault-related traps and in the separation or integration of production objects in fields. It is also possible to determine the amount of shale material entering the fault gouge with these graphs. Considering that the Darvin Bank field is complicated by tectonic faults, the juxtaposition diagrams proposed by Knipe R. J. were used to determine the connection between the tectonic blocks. According to Upper Kirmaki Suite (KSupper) horizon, the faults numbered 11 and 3a in the northwest part of the field are permeable, while faults numbered 3, 6, and 7 are classified as non-permeable. The reliability of the results has been confirmed by the results of Cluster analysis applied in previous studies, and the application of this method in other oil and gas fields of Azerbaijan has been suggested. Keywords: fault characteristics; permeable or sealing faults; Juxtaposition diagrams; production objects; Cluster analysis; shale gouge ratio.