Evidence of Hydraulic Fracture Reorientation Across a Thrust Fault

Microseismic imaging of a hydraulic fracture stimulation showed significant fracture reorientation across a thrust fault. Fracture orientations were identified through a combination of alignment of event locations, polarization of the seismic waves and injection details. Stimulation below the fault indicated a near horizontal fracture geometry. Above the fault, a near vertical fracture geometry was observed. This difference in fracture geometry was attributed to rotations in the direction of minimum principle stress, which is consistent with observed differences in the injection pressures. The fracture reorientation suggests a significant difference in the stimulated permeable pathways.