Fracture distribution on the Swift Reservoir Anticline, Montana: Implications for structural and lithological controls on fracture intensity

• DOI: 10.1144/sp487.9
• Publication Date: 2019-01-16T17:25:31Z
• Authors: Hannah Watkins; Clare E. Bond; Adam J. Cawood; Mark A. Cooper; Marian J. Warren
• Keywords: Anticline; Swift; Intensity

Abstract Where primary porosity and permeability of a rock are unfavourable for hydrocarbon production, fractures can improve reservoir potential by enhancing permeability. Higher fracture intensity may create better-connected network, improving fractured-reservoir quality. Investigations into the controls on commonly conclude that either structural or lithological factors have greatest influence abundance. We use Swift Reservoir Anticline in northwestern Montana to investigate how varies throughout structure determine although do intensity, lithology is main control at outcrop. The exposes bedding surfaces Mississippian Castle Reef Formation dolomite. Field data indicates highest fold forelimb, decreasing backlimb except outcrops coarse dolomite where low, regardless position. correlates with whole-rock quartz, kaolinite percentages. suggest composition bulk-rock mechanical properties, which, turn, Fracture has stronger relationship than factors, therefore we key predicting subsurface here understanding spatially.