Fracture Networks in the Cretaceous Carbonates in Central Tunisia: Tectonic-Structural Control and Implications for Key Reservoir Properties

The study investigates a joint-dominated fracture network within the Cretaceous carbonate strata (Berriasian–Valanginian) exposed in Jebel Meloussi (Central Tunisia). A total of 544 fractures were examined across 24 field stations. The key attributes such as orientation, density, aperture, and connectivity were analyzed to understand their relationship with tectonic and structural settings. The fractures exhibit dominant NE‒SW and NW‒SE orientations reflecting the influence of regional compressional tectonics developed during the Late Tertiary‒Quaternary. Detailed analysis of these attributes provides insights into the intrinsic reservoir properties of the strata, highlighting how fracture networks impact the permeability and porosity of these carbonate rocks. The findings suggest that tectonic stress regimes have played a crucial role in shaping the current fracture patterns, which are essential for understanding fluid flow in these carbonate strata. This research provides insights that may support future advances in subsurface reservoir evaluation, enhance strategies for geological storage, and contribute to sustainable resource management in tectonically active carbonate systems.