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oa Mapping Regional Faults with Geological, Seismic and Potential Field Data - A Case Study from Kuwait
- Publisher: European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers
- Source: Conference Proceedings, GEO 2010, Mar 2010, cp-248-00391
Abstract
The state of Kuwait is endowed with commercial hydrocarbon accumulations at Triassic, Jurassic,<br>Cretaceous and Tertiary levels. These accumulations are dominantly structural entrapments affected by<br>multiple sets of faults. The faults not only play a dominant role in structure formation but also control<br>flow characteristics of the tight reservoirs by fracturing. In view of the above, a regional fault mapping<br>initiative has been taken up.<br>In a synergistic approach gravity, magnetic, 2D and 3D seismic, image log and core data has been<br>analysed to map the regional fault framework and to evaluate its role in hydrocarbon entrapment.<br>Innovative visualization techniques such as 3D curvature, spectral decomposition and semblance<br>volume are employed for enhancing the subtle fault expressions. These faults mapped in the areas of<br>3D coverage are linked to the regional framework brought out by the 2D and potential field data.<br>The structural framework of Kuwait is broadly defined by two major elements. The N-S trending Kuwait<br>Arch is the most conspicuous feature which encompasses Burgan, Bahrah, Sabiriyah and Umm-Niqa<br>structures. The NW-SE trending West Kuwait High encompasses Umm-Gudair, Minagish, Kahlulah, Kra<br>Al-Maru and Mutriba structures. These dominant trends are offset by dominantly E-W, ENE-WSW and<br>NE-SW trending cross faults. These faults and associated structures evolved at different times and as a<br>result of different causative mechanisms. The Kuwait Arch represents basement-involved deformation<br>with multiple phases of reactivation while West Kuwait High is located on gravity magnetic lows,<br>indicate diapirism as the causative mechanism for structuration. The study established the usefulness<br>of regional fault system mapping in deciphering the tectonic history and controls on hydrocarbon<br>entrapment in Kuwait.