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Digital Outcrop Model-based analysis of fracture network

Project

Project Details

Program
Earth Science and Engineering
Field of Study
Structural geology
Division
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Faculty Lab Link
https://www.kaust.edu.sa/en/study/faculty/volker-vahrenkamp
Center Affiliation
Ali I. Al-Naimi Petroleum Engineering Research Center

Project Description

The presence of hydraulically conductive fracture networks is a key parameter influencing the fluid flow in hydrocarbon reservoirs, affecting the ultimate recovery factor, productivity and future development planning. This project aims to map and measure the fracture network in the Duqm area (Shuaiba Formation, Sultanate of Oman) using 3D and 2D photogrammetry data. We will analyze fractures at different scales to extract quantitative information about the spatial organization, the intensity and the variability with respect to the main faults observed in the area. For this project we are looking for a motivated geology student with a solid background in structural geology.

About the Researcher

Volker Vahrenkamp
Professor, Energy Resources and Petroleum Engineering
Physical Science and Engineering Division

Affiliations

Education Profile

  • Ph.D. Marine Geology, RSMAS a- U. Miami, Miami, FL, USA
  • MSc Geology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
  • Vordiplom, Ludwigs UniversitA¤t, Freiburg, Germany

Research Interests

a€‹Professor Vahrenkamp's research aims at securing future energy supply with three main thrusts: Refine the understanding of modern and ancient carbonate depositional environments and associated diagenesis for improved perception of reservoir heterogeneities on multiple scales, Advance the quantification of the complex pore networks of Arabian carbonate reservoirs and its impact on reservoir performance, Explore and develop geothermal energy in Arabian countries with special focus on desalination and cooling applications and suitable drilling techniques.

Selected Publications

  • Late Jurassic to Cretaceous source rock prone intra-shelf basins of the eastern Arabian plate a- interplay between t... Vahrenkamp, V.C., P. Van Laer, B.J. Franco, M. A. Celentano, Carine Grelaud and P. Razin. SPE-IPTC-18470 , (2015)
  • Micro rhombic calcite of a giant Barremian reservoir onshore Abu Dhabi - Clumped isotope analyses fix temperature, ... Vahrenkamp, V.C, J. Barata; P.J. Van Laer, P. Swart, S. Murray. SPE ADIPEC-172033 , (2014)
  • Carbon-isotope signatures of Albian to Cenomanian (Cretaceous) shelf carbonates of the Natih Formation, Sultanate o... Vahrenkamp, V.C. GeoArabia, v. 18, no. 3, 65-82, (2013)
  • Validation of fundamental carbonate reservoir core properties using Digital Rock Physics Lopez, O., A. Mock, P. A˜ren, H. Long, Z. Kalam, V. Vahrenkamp, M. Gibrata, S. Seraj, S. Ch. International Symposium of the Society of Core Analysts, SCA2012-19, 12 pages , (2012)
  • Chemo stratigraphy of the Early Cretaceous Shu'aiba Formation. Vahrenkamp, V.C. GeoArabia Special Publication 4, V. 1, 107 137, (2010)

Desired Project Deliverables

Define fracture set and fracture intensity variation of the area in relation with the main structural features.

Recommended Student Background

GIS
Remote sensing
Geology
Structural geology
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3-6 months
Internship period
100+
Research Projects
3.5/4
Cumulative GPA
310
Interns a Year