Print this pageIntegrating Pressure into 
Fault
Seal Analysis, US Gulf of
Mexico
James C. Niemann and Mark R. Krolow
Pressure differences between fault blocks can be an important indicator of
fault seal or leak. However, bottom hole pressure data for formations of
interest, commonly is limited or unavailable. A method is. proposed for using
shale porosity log-derived and calculated pressure gradient values to correlate
and map pressure differences along fault zones. These pressure differentials are
integrated with more conventional "Allan Map" projection and Smear/Gouge
calculation techniques to evaluate fault seal in a number of moderate to highly
overpressured Gulf of Mexico oil and gas fields. The results suggest this method
can reveal a very detailed picture of fluid and pressure history to aid in the
prediction of sealing and leaking relationships along fault
zones.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California