Date of Award
7-2006
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geosciences
First Advisor
Dr. William Sauck
Second Advisor
Dr. G. Michael Grammer
Third Advisor
Dr. William Harrison III
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Michelle Kominz
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Birefringence of seismic shear waves has proven to be a useful tool for identifying fracture intensity and orientation in the subsurface. Naturally occurring fractures have been shown to contribute to the deliverability of natural gas production in some reservoir formations in Rocky Mountain sedimentary basins. A multicomponent 3D 3C seismic survey acquired on the southeastern end of Pinedale Anticline in Sublette County, Wyoming was mapped to characterize fault systems within the sedimentary section. The tectonic and depositional history in the study area was determined by literature search and by one-dimensional backstripping. Compressional and wrench fault systems were observed and mapped. Shear wave birefringence was observed to be the greatest on the forelimb of the Pinedale Anticline in the Tertiary and Upper Cretaceous section. Birefringence diminished with depth as a function of decreasing porosity and decreasing fracture porosity.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Keith R., "Characterization of Fracture Systems in Sublette County, Wyoming Using P-Wave and C-Wave 3D Seismic" (2006). Masters Theses. 5312.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/5312