Earth stress and reservoir quality evaluation in high and steep structure: The Lower Cretaceous in the Kuqa Depression, Tarim Basin, China

Abstract Knowledge of the state of the in-situ stress field provides important insights into the petroleum engineering and geology. The in-situ stress orientation and magnitudes in the high and steep structure of Lower Cretaceous Bashijiqike Formation in Kuqa Depression were analyzed based on well log calculations, and the impacts of in-situ stress field on reservoir quality (macroscopic reservoir properties and microscopic pore structure as well as fracture aperture) were investigated. The maximum horizontal stress (S Hmax ) orientation was determined as nearly north-south according to the image log derived drilling induced fractures and borehole breakouts. The vertical stress (S v ), S Hmax , and minimum horizontal stress (S hmin ) magnitudes were calculated via well logs. The result reveals a dominant strike-slip stress regime (S Hmax  > S v  > S hmin ) in the Bashijiqike Formation in the Kuqa Depression. The S v at the depth ranging from 5000 to 7100 m is 150–180 MPa, and horizontal stresses (S Hmax and S hmin ) vary significantly from 130 to 210 MPa. The horizontal stress difference (Δσ) is in the range from 40 to 70 MPa, and fluid overpressures are commonly encountered. The effective stress ( σ e ) has a positive relationship with the Δσ when the Δσ is less than 50 MPa. Intergranular pores can be preserved in layers with low Δσ values. The microscopic pore structure will be complex, and macroscopic reservoir quality will be poor with the increasing Δσ values. In addition, fractures are mainly corresponding with the layers where the Δσ value is low, and the fracture aperture and porosity decreased significantly with the effective stress σ e . By determining the magnitude and orientation of in-situ stresses around the wellbore, insights can be provided into the wellbore instability, optimum drilling trajectories and reservoir quality evaluation.