Extending interpretations of natural fractures from the wellbore using 3D attributes: The Carnarvon Basin, Australia

AbstractNatural fractures can be identified in wellbores using electric resistivity image logs; however, the challenge of predicting fracture orientations, densities, and probable contribution to subsurface fluid flow away from the wellbore remains. Regional interpretations of fracture sets are generally confined to areas featuring an extensive reservoir analog outcrop. We have made use of extensive data sets available in Western Australia’s Northern Carnarvon Basin to map subsurface natural fractures, contributing to a regional understanding of fracture sets that can be applied to broader parts of the basin. The Northern Carnarvon Basin is composed of distinct structural domains that have experienced differing tectonic histories. Interpretation of regional fractures was achieved through an integrated approach, incorporating electric resistivity image logs from 52 Carnarvon Basin wells and seismic attribute analysis of two 3D seismic data sets: Bonaventure_3D (6687  km2) and HC_93_3D (1414  km2). Integrat...