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Fracture Characterization and In-Situ Stress Analysis in Tight Carbonates of Potwar Basin, Pakistan
Caracterización de fracturas y análisis de esfuerzos in situ en carbonatos compactos de la Cuenca de Potwar, Pakistán
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15446/esrj.v29n4.121299Keywords:
Potwar Basin, Tight carbonate reservoirs, Fracture characterization, In-situ stress analysis, Geomechanics (en)Cuenca de Potwar, yacimientos de carbonatos compactos, caracterización de fracturas, análisis de esfuerzos in situ, geomecánica (es)
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Tight carbonate reservoirs represent a key target for hydrocarbon exploration in structurally complex foreland basins such as the Potwar Basin of northern Pakistan. This study aims to characterize fracture networks and in-situ stress fields within the Eocene Sakesar Limestone and Chorgali Formation. A multidisciplinary approach was adopted, integrating high-resolution Formation MicroImager (FMI) logs, core observations, borehole breakout analysis, and regional structural data. Results show that the fracture network is dominated by high-angle NE-SW trending sets, with secondary NW-SE orientations reflecting local structural complexities. Fracture densities range from 3 to 12 fractures per meter, with the highest intensities occurring near fault-bounded structural highs. Stress analysis indicates a strike-slip to transpressional regime, with maximum horizontal stress (Shmax) oriented NE-SW (~045°). Estimated magnitudes are Sv = 22-24 MPa/km, Shmin = 18-20 MPa/km, and Shmax = 26-30 MPa/km. These findings identify favorable zones for horizontal well placement and hydraulic fracturing, reducing drilling risks and improving completion design. The study provides a novel, integrated framework for optimizing the development of tight carbonate reservoirs in the Potwar Basin and offers insights applicable to similar foreland fold-and-thrust belt settings.
Los yacimientos de carbonatos compactos representan un objetivo clave para la exploración de hidrocarburos en cuencas de antepaís estructuralmente complejas, como la Cuenca de Potwar en el norte de Pakistán. El presente estudio tiene como objetivo caracterizar las redes de fracturas y los campos de esfuerzos in situ dentro de la caliza Sakesar y la Formación Chorgali del Eoceno. Con este fin se adoptó un enfoque multidisciplinario, que integra registros de Formation MicroImager (FMI) de alta resolución, observaciones de núcleos, análisis de rotura de pozos y datos estructurales regionales. Los resultados muestran que la red de fracturas está dominada por conjuntos de alta inclinación con orientación NE-SO, con orientaciones secundarias NO-SE que reflejan complejidades estructurales locales. La densidad de fracturas varía de 3 a 12 fracturas por metro, con las mayores intensidades cerca de altos estructurales limitados por fallas. El análisis de esfuerzos indica un régimen de desgarre a transpresional, con el esfuerzo horizontal máximo (Shmax) orientado NE-SO (~045°). Las magnitudes estimadas son Sv = 22-24 MPa/km, Shmin = 18-20 MPa/km y Shmax = 26-30 MPa/km. Estos resultados identifican zonas favorables para la ubicación de pozos horizontales y fracturamiento hidráulico, reduciendo riesgos de perforación y mejorando el diseño de terminaciones. El estudio proporciona un marco integrado y novedoso para optimizar el desarrollo de yacimientos de carbonatos compactos en la Cuenca de Potwar y ofrece perspectivas aplicables a entornos similares en cinturones de pliegues y cabalgamientos de antepaís.
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