The objective of this course is to introduce concepts and methods in trap and seal analysis particularly as related to fault characterization including fault mapping and fault seal to geoscientists (geologists and geophysicists) and petroleum engineers so that they can apply these principles in their exploration and development projects. The lecture introduces fundamentals and advanced concepts for faulting and flow for the prediction of fault behavior in subsurface traps.

1.     Introduction to fault seal and trap analysis.

2.     Trap and fault geometry concepts and estimating closures and initial seal risk.

3.     Methods and concepts on correctly characterizing faults and throw distributions. Theory and methods for evaluating correct fault linkages.

4.     Fault zone architecture, mechanical stratigraphy and the influence on fault flow resistance.

5.     Fault population statistics.

6.     Review of fault rock types based on the unreformed host rock lithology.

7.     Basic principles of flow through porous media including permeability and threshold pressure.

8.     Introduction to fault mapping.

9.     Discussion on estimating sealing capacity from the threshold pressure for a range of fault rock types.

10.  Discussion of relative permeability impact on flow resistance across faults.

11.  Review of methods for estimating the clay distribution across a fault surface including clay smear factor, shale gouge ratio and effective shale gouge ratio.

12.  Discussion of techniques for calibrating relationships between fault rocks.

13.  Triangle diagrams for estimating fault seal.

14.  Introduction to Geomechanics for fault development and controls on slip.

15.  Introduction to reservoir flow simulation and modeling fault flow resistance in development.

16.  Risking and uncertainty.

17.  Validation of methods and summary of course concepts

Geologists, geophysicists and petroleum engineers.