Abstract

The performance of naturally fractured reservoirs is controlled by the orientation, intensity and spatial distribution of open fractures. In this paper we present the results of a recent fracture characterization study based on P-wave azimuthal anisotropy using interval velocities and RMS amplitude maps. A consistent processing sequence was applied to all azimuth sectors in order to preserve the quality of the azimuthal anisotropy information. A proprietary geostatistical decomposition technique was applied to ensure more stable and accurate estimates of the fracture intensity and direction. These results provide detailed maps of the fracture system and show good correlation with sub-seismic scale fracture analysis from FMI/ FMS logs.