We present a study of the Mancos shale formation to identify changes in seismic properties (ultrasonic velocities, stiffnesses, and Thomsen anisotropic parameters) due to confining pressure, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), and carbonate content. The analyzed samples had varying TOC (between 0.5 and 2 wt.%) and carbonate contents (from 20 to 40%). The presence of fractures, microcracks and kerogen layers influence anisotropy in Mancos samples with high TOC. Cracks and microfracture close at low pressures, whereas kerogen is insensitive to pressure. Thus, the anisotropic ultrasonic velocities and stiffness coefficients are insensitive to pressure in low TOC rocks.

Presentation Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2020

Session Start Time: 8:30 AM

Presentation Time: 10:10 AM

Location: 361A

Presentation Type: Oral

Keywords:
reservoir geomechanics, hydraulic fracturing, reservoir characterization, shale gas, log analysis, complex reservoir, well logging, structural geology, exploration geophysicist 10, closure
Subjects:
Hydraulic Fracturing, Reservoir Characterization, Formation Evaluation & Management, Unconventional and Complex Reservoirs, Exploration, development, structural geology, Seismic processing and interpretation, Reservoir geomechanics, Open hole/cased hole log analysis, Shale gas
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2020. Society of Exploration Geophysicists
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