Fault Analysis

Quantitative analysis of fault throw, juxtaposition and seal through geological time.

The Fault Analysis module allows rapid evaluation of throw distribution, across-fault juxtaposition and fault sealing capacity in 3D. Combined with statistical analysis of fault displacement and scaling relationships, the tool provides powerful validation of geological interpretations and insights into the economic significance of faults.

Uniquely, the module can be integrated with restoration workflows using MOVE’s 3D Kinematic Modelling and Stress Analysis modules to provide a complete temporal fault displacement and seal investigation. This workflow delivers key information on potential baffles or conduits to flow at the time of hydrocarbon generation and migration. The sealing potential of faults and joints encountered in a wide range of mineral and ore systems can also be investigated using this approach.

Fault History diagrams allow rapid temporal evaluation of throw distribution, across-fault juxtaposition and fault sealing capacity. Combined with statistical analysis of fault displacement and scaling relationships, the tool provides robust validation of geological interpretations and insight into the economic significance of faults.

Fault Analysis

Create fault cut-off lines using hanging wall and footwall trim and inclusion distances unique per side of fault.
Calculate and visualize heave polygons for all faults and horizons in a model.
Plot 3D throw colour maps and evaluate throw distributions using fault displacement charts.
Plot a range of 3D seal proxy and juxtaposition colour maps including:
- Shale Gouge Ratio
- Shale Smear Factor
- Probabilistic Shale Smear Factor
- Clay Smear Potential
- Permeability
- Hydrocarbon Column Height
Construct seal proxy diagrams, filter diagrams to show only areas of interest (e.g. SGR on Sand-Sand juxtapositions) and estimate surface areas.
Construct Fault Triangle diagrams to rapidly evaluate sealing potential from well data. Incorporate hanging wall thickness variations or use two wells for more accurate analysis of growth faults.
Rapidly restore fault displacement and physical compaction through time using Fault History diagrams to evaluate temporal fault displacement distributions and sealing capacity.