Date of Graduation
2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Geology and Geography
Committee Chair
Timothy R Carr
Committee Co-Chair
Ryan Shackleton
Committee Member
Peter Sullivan
Abstract
The Middle Devonian Marcellus Formation in the Appalachian basin is a world class unconventional reservoir. The Marcellus Formation in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania has comparable thickness, depth, reservoir pressure, total organic carbon, and thermal maturity in comparison to other areas within the Appalachian basin. However, lower natural gas production is observed in this area. Structural complexity, natural fracturing, and rock mechanics in the study area negatively affect fracture stimulation, and can potentially hinder gas production. Two fault models using depth converted 3D seismic highlight structural complexity. A geomechanical model, and microseismic analysis using r(t) plots, and b-values highlight effects of natural fracturing. During stage two of the microseismic well, hydraulic connectivity occurred within a fault damage zone related to a cross-strike, strike-slip fault. Triaxial strain core tests and rock property determination from well logs highlight brittle and ductile shale zones.
Recommended Citation
Bowers, Cole E., "Analyzing Fracture Stimulation of Middle Devonian Strata in Clearfield County Pennsylvania Using a 3D Geomechanical Fault Model and Microseismic" (2014). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 5243.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/5243