New Technology Yields High-Resolution 3D Modeling for Fracture Analyses

The authors write that simple and straightforward observations on outcrops can be used to build 3D models that mimic geological relationships accurately.

November 1, 2021

Journal of Petroleum Technology

Fig. 1—The Wadi Bih outcrop. Left: View to the southeast; red box indicates the position of the outcrop, while the yellow line shows the bedding dip tendency. Right: Overview of the bedding plane used for the study with the measure used for calibration in red.

The complete paper outlines a high-resolution 3D fracture modeling exercise using the DMX protocol applied to Triassic dolomites of the United Arab Emirates. The outcropping rocks show a low primary porosity, are well bedded, and are highly fractured (jointed) up to centimeter scale. The exercise shows the relevance of applying new technologies to outcrop observations and shows several elements and related technologies that, to the authors’ knowledge, have not been presented previously.

Introduction

The focus area of the complete paper is a small outcrop situated in Wadi Bih in the territory of Ras Al Khaimah (Fig. 1 above) along a small road near a recently constructed artificial lake.

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