Use of Conditional Simulation, Mechanical Theory, and Field Observations to Characterize the Structure of Faults and Fracture Networks

Authors

Kevin Hestir, Utah State University
Stephen J. Martel, University of Hawaii
Junming Yang, Utah State University
James P. Evans, Utah State UniversityFollow
Jane S.C. Long, University of Nevada - Reno
Pete D'Onfro
William D. Rizer

Document Type

Contribution to Book

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Flow and Transport through Unsaturated Fractured Rock

Volume

42

Publisher

American Geophysical Union

Publication Date

2001

First Page

61

Last Page

73

Abstract

We present a method that links physical theory for the origin of a fracture system to field observations. The method generates simulations of a physically-based stochastic model that are conditioned on field observations. Two examples using stochastic models that are qualitatively based on elasticity theory are presented. The first is a three-dimensional model of small left-lateral strike-slip faults based on cohesive zone fracture mechanics and conditioned on surface trace maps. The second is a two-dimensional stochastic model of a strata bound fracture network conditioned on well test data.

Comments

Originally published by the American Geophysical Union. Chapter fulltext available through remote link. Book can be purchased through the publisher.

Recommended Citation

Hestir, K., Martel, S. J., Yang, J., Evans, P. P., Long, J. S. C., D'Onfro, P., and Rizer, W. D., 2001, Use of conditional simulation, mechanical theory, and field observations to characterize the structure of faults and fracture networks, in: American Geophysical Union Monograph 42, 2nd ed., Flow and transport through unsaturated fractured rock, p. 61-75.