ABSTRACT

ABSTRACT: A multi-basin comparison of least horizontal stress magnitudes in sedimentary rocks has identified the relative importance of geophysical factors influencing intrabasin and interbasin stress variations. The comparison has resolved a global lithology dependence on stress magnitude and has revealed a zone of high horizontal stress at depths less than 1 km. Pore pressure, lithology and geologic structure are the principal factors correlated with intrabasin stress variations whereas pore pressure, the degree of diagenesis and tectonic setting have the greatest influence on interbasin stress variations. Our data indicate that stress variations due to changes in pore pressure are greater than those due to changes in lithology.

Keywords:
reservoir geomechanics, stress ratio, shale, stress measurement, fracture, plumb, Upstream Oil & Gas, pore pressure, basin, interbasin stress variation
Subjects:
Hydraulic Fracturing, Reservoir Characterization, Reservoir geomechanics
1994. A.A. Balkema - Permission to Distribute - American Rock Mechanics Association
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