Publication Name: Eastern Australian Basins Symposium III (EABS 2008)
Authors: B.R Ilg, S. Ellis, M. Arnot and A. Nicol
Date Published: September 2008
Number of Pages: 2
Abstract:
Many petroleum fields are located somewhat paradoxically on or adjacent to heavily faulted active plate boundaries. One such example is the Kupe field in the offshore eastern Taranaki Basin. When fields are cut by active faults they are commonly thought to be susceptible to dilatation-induced leakage. Relay ramps and associated damage zones may increase permeability around faults further enhancing migration and increasing risk to sealing within the field. However, the presence of hydrocarbon reservoirs adjacent to some active faults suggests that active faults must locally be sealing at least. In this study we utilise a 3D seismic reflection volume, numerical modelling, and fault seal modelling to investigate the relationships between fault geometries and their effect on permeability and leakage within and around the Kupe field.