Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Today, one of the main challenges in the oil industry is the exploitation of new resources in naturally fractured reservoirs often located in structurally complex areas such as plate boundaries, mountain ranges or near salt structures. While numerical models of rock deformation based on continuum mechanics are becoming industry standard in providing efficient means for modelling natural fractures in reservoirs, the knowledge of past perturbed stress fields, which is referred as the type (normal, wrench or reverse), orientation and magnitude of the regional or local tectonic stresses that needs to be applied as boundary condition in numerical simulations, is often unknown or approximated.The essence of this thesis is to improve the recovery of the paleostress field needed to constrain numerical simulations. I first described and discuss through a comprehensive mechanically-based multi-parametric study how far we can rely on the commonly used paleostress inversion methods based on fault slip data and the Wallace and Bott assumptions. I then compared this method with a new generation technique based on geomechanics using field observations. Since slip markers on faults are hardly observed in core or image log, I used observed natural fracture data as main drivers for the inversion of the paleostress using geomechanically-based method. I demonstrated, through various outcrop and subsurface examples, how this can efficiently be done. Finally, I aimed at addressing the problem of polyphase fracture data sets with unknown mechanical type (joints, faults, stylolites ...) and expanded the mechanical stress inversion to the separation of tectonic phases.
Aujourd'hui, l'un des principaux défis dans l'industrie pétrolière est l'exploitation de nouvelles ressources dans les réservoirs naturellement fracturés souvent situés dans des zones structurellement complexes tels que les frontières de plaques, les chaînes de montagnes ou les structures de proches des dômes de sel. Alors que les modèles numériques de déformation des roches basée sur la mécanique des milieux continus fournissant des moyens efficaces pour la modélisation de fractures naturelles dans les réservoirs, sont devenus la norme dans l'industrie, les paléo-contraintes régionales ou locales appliquées comme condition aux limites dans les simulations numériques, définies par le régime (normal, décrochant ou inverse), l'orientation, et la magnitude des contraintes tectoniques, sont souvent inconnues ou approximées.L'essence de cette thèse est d'améliorer la prédiction du champ de paléo-contrainte nécessaire pour contraindre les simulations numériques. J’ai décrit dans un premier temps à travers une étude comparative multi-paramétrique complète basée sur la mécanique, dans quelle mesure nous pouvions compter sur les méthodes d'inversion des paléo-contraintes basées sur les hypothèses de Wallace et Bott et les données de glissement sur les failles. J’ai ensuite comparé ces méthodes avec une technique d’inversion de nouvelle génération basée sur la géomécanique en utilisant les observations de terrain. Puisque les marqueurs de glissement sur les failles sont rarement observés le long du forage, j’ai utilisé l’inversion géomécanique des contraintes pour les données de fractures naturelles observées. J’ai alors démontré, l’efficacité de cette technique à travers divers exemples d'affleurements et de subsurface. Enfin, j’ai proposé une solution afin de résoudre le problème des données de fractures polyphasées à type cinématique inconnu (joints, failles, stylolites ...) et étendu l’inversion de contrainte basée sur la géomécanique à la séparation des phases tectoniques.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01324110

tel-01324110
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01324110
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01324110/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01324110/file/theselejri.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : This work focus on the characterization of the source and dynamic of compactional fluids during sedimentary burial, through two complementary examples of late orogenic oil‐field half‐grabens: The exhumed Lodève Permian Basin and a deep buried Jurassic basin in the North Viking Graben (North Sea).Constituting the main part of the thesis, a multi‐disciplinary approach was conducted in the Lodève Basin where Ba‐F‐Cu‐Pb polymetallic mineralized systems are trapped into synrift faults and paleokarsts in the carbonate basement at the hinge point of the rollover. The source, timing and P/T conditions of fluid migration were deduced from the analysis of the microfabric, the fluid inclusions microthermometry, and the isotopic (Sr, S, O, H) and Rare Earth Element (REE) signature. Results are then crossed with a structural and thermal modeling that consolidates the sequence and dynamics of fluid during burial.A similar approach was conducted in the North Viking Graben where fluid markers are restricted to 3D seismic and well core data. Comparable Ba‐Pb‐Zn veins are reported in basin margin, plugging one of the most important siliciclastic hydrocarbon reservoir in the substratum. This analysis provides additional constraints on basinal fluid behavior and allows us to propose a global dynamic model for various compositions of fluids and reservoirs.We conclude to a polyphase fluid sequence history including:(a) In the carbonate basement of the Lodève Basin, karstic paleocanyon incisions and associated cavities coupled to synrift fault, act as major drain for fluids. These structures are early affected by hypogen‐sulfuric karstification in response to the interaction between bacterial oxidation of sulfides entrapped within Lower Permian blackshales and the basement oxidizing aquifer.(b) Disequilibrium compaction initiates overpressure‐driven basinal fluid migration towards basin margins, characterized by temperatures around 150‐180°C and salinities between 9 et 18wt%eq.NaCl. Isotopic (Sr, S, O) and REE analyses reveal that Ba‐M+‐rich mineralizing fluids derived mainly from buried blackshales diagenesis. External fluids coming from the lower crust are also identified that play a key role in fluorite precipitation by the leaching of late hercynian granites (mean temperature of 250°C and salinity > 20wt%eq.NaCl).(c) During the synrift period, fluid overpressure is responsible for the periodic reactivation of fault plane according to seismic‐valve process, bedded‐control shearing and hydraulic brecciation at the basement‐seal interface. These mechanisms induce cyclic polymetallic mineralization by the mixing between in‐situ formation water and deep ascending basinal fluids.(d) Thermogenic fluids expulsion starts with last basinal fluids during late burial stage. Hydrocarbons thus migrate along the same regional pathways up to the rollover crest, where they are partly rerouted by the previous mineralized baffle.(e) In the Lodève basin, post‐rift exhumation of the margins led to the remobilization of synrift deposits by subaerial biochemical processes at the sulfate‐methane transition. The latter results from the interaction between the still active hydrocarbon dysmigration with a playa lake sulfate‐rich aquifer. Secondary low‐temperature barite fronts precipitate then within basement meteoric karsts.In addition to the « source to sink » model of basinal fluids, this work provides new insights on the early plugging of hydrocarbon reservoirs and for the metallogenesis of Mississippi Valley‐Type deposits.
Ce travail porte sur la caractérisation de la source et de la dynamique des fluides de bassin au cours de leur chargement à travers deux exemples complémentaires de demi‐grabens tardi‐orogéniques pétroliers : Le Bassin Permien de Lodève, aujourd’hui à l’affleurement et un bassin jurassique enfouis dans le North Viking Graben (Mer du Nord).Le coeur de la thèse concerne le Bassin de Lodève où, à partir d’une approche pluridisciplinaire intégrée, nous avons caractérisé l’architecture des minéralisations (Ba, F, Cu, Pb) piégées dans un réseau paléokarstique alimenté par les failles syn‐rift, dans le substratum carbonaté à l’apex du roll‐over. La source, le calendrier et les conditions de migration des fluides ont été approchés à partir de l’analyse de la micro‐fabrique, la microthermométrie sur inclusions fluides, les analyses isotopiques (Sr, S, O, H) et de Terres Rares. Les résultats analytiques ont été enfin croisés avec un modèle thermique et structural du bassin qui conforte la séquence et la dynamique du système fluide en cours d’enfouissement.Une démarche similaire, mais plus limitée, a été conduite dans le bassin du North Viking Graben où l’accès aux marqueurs fluides est restreint aux données de sismique 3D et de carottes. Comme à Lodève, les minéralisations Ba‐Pb‐Zn colmatent un réservoir dans le substratum à l’apex du roll‐over. Elles se présentent sous forme de ciments dans des grès ou des fractures. Cette analyse apporte des contraintes complémentaires et permet de proposer un modèle dynamique général avec des variantes en fonction de la nature des fluides et des réservoirs.On retiendra donc la séquence fluide suivante :(a) Dans le cas du bassin de Lodève sur substratum carbonaté, les chemins préférentiels de drainage se développent dans des paléocanyons N‐S couplés à un réseau de fractures et d’endokarsts météoriques. Ces derniers sont élargis en début de rifting par la dissolution hypogène sulfurique produite par l’oxydation bactérienne des sulfates et des pyrites des blackshales, au contact de l’aquifère oxydant du Cambrien.(b) Le déséquilibre de compaction initie la migration des fluides interstitiels en surpression vers les marges avec des températures autour de 150‐180°C et des salinités entre 9 et 18wt%eq.NaCl. Les analyses isotopiques (Sr, S, O) révèlent que la majorité des fluides provient de l’altération diagénétique des blackshales riches en métaux. Des interactions sont également mises en évidence avec des fluides profonds (entre 240°C et 260°C ; salinités > à 20wt%eq.NaCl), qui lessivent les granites tardi‐hercyniens.(c) Pendant le syn‐rift, les conditions de surpression de fluide permettent la réactivation cyclique des failles, les décollements stratigraphiques et la formation de brèches hydrauliques, favorisant la mise en connexion avec les réservoirs superficiels à l’apex du rollover. Le modèle de Sibson ajusté aux fluides de bassins est alors le moteur de la migration verticale.(d) Les fluides thermogéniques commencent à être expulsés avec les derniers fluides de compaction au cours d’un stade plus évolué de l’enfouissement en empruntant les mêmes chemins jusqu’à l’apex du roll over. Ils sont alors partiellement freinés et déviés par les colmatages minéralisés antérieurs.(e) A Lodève, la continentalisation des minéralisations antérieures au cours de l’exhumation post‐rift conduit à leur remaniement partiel au niveau de la transition sulfate‐méthane induite par l’interaction entre une playa évaporitique et la dysmigration des hydrocarbures. Des barytines secondaires de basse température, déprimées en Sr sont alors précipitées de manière synsédimentaire dans des karsts météoriques du socle.Outre l’illustration d’un modèle complet (source to sink) de dynamique des fluides dans un bassin, ce travail apporte de nouvelles contraintes dans l’approche du colmatage des réservoirs à hydrocarbures sur les têtes de blocs basculés et sur la genèse des gîtes miniers de type Mississippi Valley‐Type.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01457583

tel-01457583
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01457583
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01457583/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01457583/file/th%C3%A8seLaurent2015V2.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Springer Verlag (Germany) Springer Verlag
Résumé : Production rates in horizontal shale gas wells display declines that are controlled by the low permeability and the intrinsic heterogeneity of the shale matrix. We present an original multi-continuum approach that yields a physical model able to reproduce the complexity of the decreasing gas rates. The model describes the dynamics of gas rate as function of the physical reservoir parameters and geometry, while the shale matrix heterogeneity is accounted for by a stochastic description of transmissivity field. From the 3D (Dimensional) problem setting, including the heterogeneous shale matrix, the fractures generated by the hydrofracking operations, as well as the production well characteristics, we establish an effective upscaled 1D model for the gas pressures in fracture and matrix as well as the volumetric flux. We analyse the decline curves behaviour, and we identify the time scales that characterize the dynamics of the gas rate decline using explicit analytical Laplace space solutions of the upscaled process model. Asymptotically, the flux curves decrease exponentially, while in an intermediate regime we find a power-law behaviour, in which the flux scales with a power law in time as (t^{-beta }), where (beta ) reflects the medium heterogeneity. We use this solution to fit a set of real data displaying distinctly different decline trends and study the sensitivity of the model to the reservoir parameters in order to identify their respective controls at the different stages of the decline curve dynamics. Results indicate that the initial value of the gas rate is determined by the transmissivity of the fractures and the initial pressure of the gas in the shale matrix. The latter causes mainly a shift in the entire decline curve. The early time of decline curve shape is primarily controlled by the fracture properties (compressibility and transmissivity). During the main part of the economically valuable production times, i.e. before the production rate drops exponentially, the decline curve is strongly controlled by the properties of the shale rocks including their heterogeneity, which is modelled by two parameters describing the non-Fickian pressure diffusion effects in a stochastic framework.
ISSN: 0169-3913

hal-01217247
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01217247
DOI : 10.1007/s11242-015-0504-y

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : The coastal intrusion of brine threatens populations. This is particularly prejudicial in carbonate environments. We have studied the Miocene coral reef of S-E Majorca for better understanding the relation between geological structure and intrusion. For that purpose, we have used multi-scalar and multi-disciplinary methods. The measurements in 25 boreholes over the whole coral platform have allowed defining the stratigraphic structure and some elements of the regional tectonic. The reef progrades in the NE-SW direction, starting from the Aquitanian to terminates at the Messinian. The Messinian Salinity Crisis involves a disappearance of the Mediterranean corals and results in a Terminal Carbonate Complex which overlays a great part of the previously living corals of Majorca. At the experimental site scale, the study of the mineral composition, the texture, and the diagenesis have allowed characterization of the carbonate sequence heterogeneity. Layers of mineralization accompanied by dolomitization and low porosity correspond to postdepositional eustatic levels. The causes for the existence and the orientation of fractures are studied. The permeability to porosity relation is approached. The porosity structure is studied by comparison between primary and secondary porosity. This study contributes to the knowledge of the world best documented site for the evolution of carbonate reef reservoirs, with applications for brine intrusion and for hydrocarbon extraction.
Les intrusions d'eau salée en zone côtière constituent une menace pour la population. Celles-ci sont particulièrement dommageables en contexte carbonaté. Nous avons étudié le récif corallien Miocène du sud-est de Majorque afin de comprendre la relation entre structure géologique et intrusion. Pour cela nous avons utilisé des méthodes multi-scalaires et multi-disciplinaires. Les mesures dans 25 forages sur l'ensemble de la plateforme corallienne ont permis de préciser la structure stratigraphique et certains éléments de la tectonique régionale. Le récif prograde dans la direction NE-SO, en partant de l'Aquitanien pour aboutir au Messinien. La Crise de Salinité Messinienne entraîne une disparition des coraux méditerranéens et se traduit par un Complexe Carbonaté Terminal qui s'étend sur une grande partie des coraux autrefois vivants de Majorque. A l'échelle du site expérimental, l'étude de la composition minérale, de la texture et de la diagenèse ont permis de caractériser l'hétérogénéité de la séquence carbonatée. Des couches de minéralisation accompagnées de dolomitisation et de faible porosité correspondent à différents niveaux eustatiques post-dépositionnels. Les causes de l'existence et de l'orientation des fractures sont étudiées. La relation de perméabilité à porosité est précisée. La structure de porosité est étudiée par comparaison entre la porosité primaire et la porosité secondaire. Cette étude contribue à la connaissance du site le mieux documenté au monde pour l'évolution des réservoirs carbonatés récifaux, avec applications pour les intrusions d'eau salée et l'extraction des hydrocarbures.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00440019

tel-00440019
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00440019
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00440019/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00440019/file/thesemariasube.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : In order to minimize CO2 atmospheric concentration, a solution consists in sequestrating CO2 in geological reservoirs. To estimate long term risks, it is necessary to quantify the couplings between reaction processes as well as structural and hydrodynamical modifications. We realised two experimental benches enabling injecting CO2-enriched-brine in conditions corresponding to in situ storage (T < 200 oC and P < 200 bar) and developed
an experimental protocol using X-Ray microtomography and fluid and rock analyses in order to measure the variations of physical and chemical parameters.
The study of carbonated reservoirs near the injection well, allows quantifying different k-phi relationships depending on the dissolution processes and triggered by the local fluid chemical composition and initials conditions. Away from the injection well, we observe carbonate precipitation decreasing the permeability. The study of fracturated caprock samples shows that alternative percolation of CO2-enriched-brine and CO2 gas increases the fracture permeability.
The study of silicated rocks indicates carbonate precipitation in zeolite sandstone and sintered dunite grains. Nevertheless, in zeolite sandstone we also observe the precipitation of clay particles located in the uid pathways which decrease strongly the permeability.
Afin de minimiser la concentration en CO2 dans l'atmosphère une solution consiste à le séquestrer dans les réservoirs géologiques. Pour évaluer les risques à long terme, il est nécessaire de quantifier les couplages entre les processus réactionnels et les modifications structurales et hydrodynamiques. Dans cette optique, nous avons construit deux dispositifs expérimentaux permettant d'injecter des saumures chargées en CO2 dans les conditions de stockage (T < 200 °C et P < 200 bar) et mis en oeuvre un protocole expérimental utilisant la microtomographie RX et l'analyse des roches et des fuides pour quantifier les variations des paramètres physiques et chimiques. Dans le cas des réservoirs carbonatés, on observe, près du puits d'injection, une forte variabilité des relations k-phi en fonction du régime de dissolution contrôlé par la chimie locale du fluide, ainsi que par les conditions initiales. A plus grande distance, on observe des processus de précipitation diminuant fortement la perméabilité. L'étude des roches de couverture fracturées (argilite) a montré qu'une percolation alternée d'une saumure chargée en CO2 et de CO2 gaz augmentait la perméabilité de fracture. Dans le cas des roches silicatées, la précipitation de carbonates est mise en évidence aussi bien dans les grès à zéolites que dans les frittés de dunite de San Carlos. Cependant, dans les grès à zéolites, la précipitation d'une phase argileuse est observée dans les chemins d'écoulement et engendre une forte diminution de la perméabilité.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00416408

tel-00416408
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00416408
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00416408/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00416408/file/These_Luquot.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : International audience
In petroleum industry, the difference between pore pressure (Pp) and minimum horizontal stress Sh (termed the seal or retention capacity) is of major consideration because it is often assumed to represent how close a system is to hydraulic failure and thus the maximum hydrocarbon column height that can be maintained. While Sh and Pp are often considered to be independent parameters, several studies in the last decade have demonstrated that Sh and Pp are in fact coupled. However, the nature of this coupling relationship remains poorly understood. In this paper, we explore the influences of the spatial pore pressure distribution on Sh/Pp coupling and then on failure pressure predictions and trap integrity evaluation. With analytical models, we predict the fluid pressure sustainable within a reservoir before failure of its overpressured shale cover. We verify our analytical predictions with experiments involving analogue materials and fluids. We show that hydraulic fracturing and seal breach occur for fluid pressure greater than it would be expected from conventional retention capacity. This can be explained by the impact of the fluid overpressure field in the overburden and the pressure diffusion around the reservoir on the principal stresses. We calculate that supralithostatic pressure could locally be reached in overpressured covers. We also define the retention capacity of a cover (RC) surrounding a fluid source or reservoir as the difference between the failure pressure and the fluid overpressure prevailing in shale at the same depth. In response to a localized fluid pressure rise, we show that the retention capacity does not only depend on the pore fluid overpressure of the overburden but also on the tensile strength of the cover, its Poisson's ratio, and the depth and width of the fluid source.
ISSN: 0264-8172

hal-00590497
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00590497
DOI : 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2010.08.007

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : We present comparative field studies in folded areas (Southern France. Moroccan Western Atlas and Abruzzo, Italy) giving new insights into fracture distribution within folded rocks of the shallow brittle crust. We show that the curvature in folds formed in brittle mechanical units is usually accommodated by multiple "dip-domain boundaries" (appearing as curvature discontinuities at fold scale) corresponding to relatively narrow and dense fracture zones, striking parallel or slightly oblique to the fold axis. They separate "dip-domains" where curvature is absent or moderate. It is shown that the dip-domain boundaries (which are obvious in the case of kink folds or box-fold anticlines) are currently present as multiple subtle hinges even when the curvature appears continuous at first sight. The nature of dip-domain boundaries is studied, they often cut through the whole thickness of the mechanical units Their internal structure varies, and a non-exhaustive typology is proposed For each type, an interpretative kinematic scenario shows how the dip-domain boundaries could initiate and develop. We suggest two kinds of origins (1) they could correspond to the reactivation of inherited, along-strike fracture zones (opening-mode fracture concentrations such as big joints, fracture corridors. Inherited faults, etc), (2) they could be created as mechanical instabilities during the fold formation (syn-folding origin), in particular through small reverse faults. In both cases, early zones of weakness localize the dip-domain boundaries, and control the Increase in curvature in association with increasing fracture density within the boundary. Because they represent well-defined vertically and axially persistent sub-seismic fracture zones generally limited to the thickness of the folded unit, dip-domain boundaries could enhance the axial permeability of folded and fractured reservoirs.
ISSN: 0191-8141

hal-00512651
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00512651
DOI : 10.1016/j.jsg.2010.03.002

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : Deficient sealing in the well cement plugs and annulus due to mechanical fracturing is an important risk of CO2 leakage from the reservoir to others permeable layers and the surface. Such situation was reproduced at laboratory scale in order to determine the hydro-chemical control on the fracture permeability. Specifically, we investigated the effect of CO2 rich-brine flowing through fractured Portland cements at T = 60 °C and P = 10 MPa and variable flow rates. We showed that carbonation process is dominant and induces permeability decrease and leakage mitigation for extremely low flow rate whereas for high flow rate injection the permeability remains constant due to the precipitation of a low density secondary Si-rich phase which maintains the initial fracture aperture. At intermediate flow rate the hydraulic aperture can increase due to the densification of the material triggered by the net precipitation of low porosity calcite. These results emphasize that more complex behaviors than those considered from batch experiments may take place in the vicinity of flowing fractures. Specifically, the redissolution of the neoformed calcite as well as the development of amorphous phases, both controlled by the CO2-rich brine renewing rate in the fracture may prevent the healing fracture.
ISSN: 1750-5836

hal-00857555
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00857555
DOI : 10.1016/j.ijggc.2013.04.002

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Chemical Society
Résumé : Experiments were conducted to assess the potential impact of fractured well-cement degradation on leakage rate. Permeability was monitored while CO2-enriched reservoir-equilibrated brine was flowed at constant rate through a single fracture in a class G cement core under conditions mimicking geologic sequestration environments (temperature 60 °C, pressure 10 MPa). The results demonstrate that, at least for the conditions used in the experiment, an initial leakage in a 42 μm aperture fracture (permeability = 1.5 × 10-10 m2) can be self-mitigated due to the decrease of the fracture hydraulic aperture after about 15 h. This decrease results from the development of continuous highly hydrated amorphous Si-rich alteration products at the edge of the fracture and the dense carbonation of the bulk cement that mitigate the penetration of the alteration front.
ISSN: 0013-936X

hal-00950088
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00950088
DOI : 10.1021/es401317c

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Elsevier
Résumé : We investigate experimentally the alteration of fractured class-G cement flowed by CO2-rich brine. The experiment mimics a mechanically damaged rough-walled fractured cement annulus at temperature 60 °C and pressure 10 MPa. The experiment consists of flowing a reservoir-equilibrated brine mixed with CO2 (partial pressure of 2.3 MPa) through the fracture of average aperture 14 μm at constant flow rate (100 μL min−1). This flow rate corresponds to pressure gradient representative of an average in situ hydrodynamic condition. Results indicate an intense alteration of the cement with a large removal of mass at the scale of the sample. However, the fracture alteration patterns are triggered by the initial heterogeneity of the fracture aperture; the aperture of the low aperture zones tends to decrease due to calcite precipitation whereas preferential paths develop in the zones of higher aperture associated. Nevertheless, the expected large permeability increase triggered by the mass removal is mitigated by the precipitation of a low density Si-rich amorphous material. The alteration rate will decrease with time because of the increasing distance of diffusion between the fracture where the reactants are actively renewed by advection and the portlandite and C-S-H dissolution fronts. The different zones of reaction can be adequately modeled by a simple 1D diffusion-reaction model using published kinetics coefficients and extrapolation to larger times than the experiment time can be drawn. Altogether, and in addition to the previous studies of the alteration of fractured well cement annulus, this study shows that the leakage potential is strongly controlled by the initial distribution of the aperture along the fracture: low aperture zones will tend to self-heal while localized flow in connected high aperture paths will be perennial.
ISSN: 1750-5836

hal-01346006
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01346006
DOI : 10.1016/j.ijggc.2016.01.032

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Résumé : International audience
We describe the structure, microstructure, and petrophysical properties of fault rocks from two normal fault zones formed in low-porosity turbiditic arkosic sandstones, in deep diagenesis conditions similar to those of deeply buried reservoirs. These fault rocks are characterized by a foliated fabric and quartz-calcite sealed veins, which formation resulted from the combination of the (1) pressure solution of quartz, (2) intense fracturing sealed by quartz and calcite cements, and (3) neoformation of synkinematic white micas derived from the alteration of feldspars and chlorite. Fluid inclusion microthermometry in quartz and calcite cements demonstrates fault activity at temperatures of 195degC to 268degC. Permeability measurements on plugs oriented parallel with the principal axes of the finite strain ellipsoid show that the Y axis (parallel with the foliation and veins) is the direction of highest permeability in the foliated sandstone (10-2 md for Y against 10-3 md for X, Z, and the protolith, measured at a confining pressure of 20 bars). Microstructural observations document the localization of the preferential fluid path between the phyllosilicate particles forming the foliation. Hence, the direction of highest permeability in these fault rocks would be parallel with the fault and subhorizontal, that is, perpendicular to the slickenlines representing the local slip direction on the fault surface. We suggest that a similar relationship between kinematic markers and fault rock permeability anisotropy may be found in other fault zone types (reverse or strike-slip) affecting feldspar-rich lithologies in deep diagenesis conditions.
ISSN: 0149-1423

hal-00903428
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00903428
DOI : 10.1306/03071312127

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : International audience
In many geological reservoirs, open fractures or fault zones generally induce high spatial variability of hydrodynamical properties and shape the main deep-seated flow paths. It is of crucial interest to determine their structure and properties in order to achieve a sound and sustained exploitation of resources or to estimate the risk of failure of any underground storage. Tiltmeters have emerged as new tools to observe deformation generated by groundwater flow. As such instruments are highly sensitive to pressure gradients, they are perfectly suited for monitoring channelized flow in connected fractures and fault zones. Hence, they provide a unique insight of these reservoirs' geometry and dynamics over broad time scales. Here we demonstrate that continuous tilt data from surface long baseline tiltmeters (LBT) can be used alone to evaluate the general functioning of a fractured hardrock system and estimate the hydraulic properties of its main conductive features. The study is applied to the pumping site of Ploemeur observatory (Brittany, France) which is well documented and instrumented, and therefore forms a convenient setting for introducing LBT as tools for fractured media hydrology. On the short term, tilt signals are strongly correlated with pumping cycles and associated head level changes in well-connected boreholes. Besides, when pumps are stopped the maximal tilt direction is systematically perpendicular to a subvertical fault zone whose azimuth of strike has thereby been refined down to degree precision. By using a semi-analytical model of deformation, we establish the link between tilt and pressure change during pumping interruptions which then allows for hydraulic properties estimation from tilt measurements only. Finally, we validate our results with previous estimates obtained from other studies and discuss the orientation of future work that could enhance these estimates.
AGU Fall Meeting 2014
San Francisco, United States

insu-01093437
https://hal-insu.archives-ouvertes.fr/insu-01093437

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Fault zones are major discontinuities in sedimentary basins. Understanding their role on fluid migrations is an essential issue to (i) characterize the mechanisms and kinematics of deformation and (ii) to determine the parameters which control the distribution of energetic or mineral resources. This work applies to faulting under a temperature range of 200-250°C, corresponding to that of deeply buried reservoirs as well as potentially seismogenic fault zones. The studied faults are normal faults affecting the “Grès d’Annot” Formation, a Priabonian-Rupelian siliclastic turbidite succession of the Alpine foreland basin. They are located in two distinct areas: the Moutière-Restefond area in the eastern part of the basin and the Estrop area in the western part. Vitrinite reflectance outside fault zones indicates maximal temperatures of 240-260°C at Moutière-Restefond and 170-200°C at Estrop, i.e. burial depths around 8 km and 6 km, respectively, assuming a mean geothermal gradient of 30°C/km. Burial was due to underthrusting below the Embrunais-Ubaye Alpine nappes, the difference in burial between the two areas traducing the westward taper of the nappe front.The studied faults affect alternating arkosic sandstone beds and pelite layers with offsets from centimeters to decameters. Two types of core zones are recognized: (1) the foliated core zones of the Moutière-Restefond area, where deformation dominated by pressure solution and synkinematic phyllosilicate neoformation resulted in a foliated fabric, and (2) the core zones of the Estrop area, characterized by dilatant quartz-mineralized veins and breccia. Fault and host rock petrophysical properties were measured on drill plugs, using the water porosity technique and nitrogen permeability technique under 2 Mpa of confining pressure. In the Moutière-Restefond fault zones, plug axes were oriented in three orthogonal directions corresponding to the main deformation axes (X, Y, Z) of the foliated arkose to characterize the effect of structural anisotropy. In the Estrop fault zones, where deformation does not show equivalent anisotropy, the plug axes were oriented according to the main fault plane orientation (i.e., parallel to azimuth, parallel to dip and normal). In each fault zone, the porosity of fault rocks is equivalent to that of host rocks. In the Moutière-Restefond fault zones, the plugs parallel to the X and Z axes of deformation have a permeability similar to that of the host rocks, whereas permeability parallel to the Y axis (i.e. parallel to the foliation and the main fault plane) is one order of magnitude higher. By contrast, the permeability values in the Estrop fault zones are isotropic and equivalent to the host rock values. This study highlights the importance of various types of deformation mechanisms and related fluid-rock interactions in determining different fault rock types within a similar protolith, ultimately controlling distinct petrophysical properties of fault zones.
Les zones de failles constituent des discontinuités majeures dans la croûte supérieure. Ce mémoire s’intéresse aux failles actives à des profondeurs de 5-8 km, i.e. dans des conditions pouvant jouer un rôle important (i) sur le comportement mécanique de de la croûte, en particulier sur son potentiel sismogénique et (ii) sur la compartimentation des réservoirs géologiques profondément enfouis.Les failles étudiées sont des failles normales (rejet jusqu’à 50 mètres) affectant des alternances de bancs de grès arkosiques et de pélites dans les Grès d’Annot, une formation turbiditique d’âge priabonien-rupélien du bassin d’avant-chaine alpin. Les Grès d’Annot ont été enfouis sous les nappes de l’Embrunais-Ubaye peu de temps après leur dépôt et exhumés au Miocène moyen-supérieur. L’étude a été réalisée dans deux secteurs des Alpes de Haute-Provence, (1) le secteur de l’Estrop (chaine des Trois Evéchés, dans la partie occidentale du bassin) et (2) le secteur de Point Vert-Restefond (alentours du col de la Bonette, dans la partie orientale du bassin). La réflectance de la vitrinite dans les Grès d’Annot indique des températures maximales de 160-190°C dans le secteur (1) et de 240-260 °C dans le secteur (2) , soit des profondeurs d’enfouissement de 5-6 km et 8-10 km, respectivement, dans l’hypothèse d’un gradient géothermique moyen de 25-30°C/km. A partir des observations microstructurales, de données d’inclusions de fluides, de modélisations thermodynamiques sur chlorites syncinématiques et des indices de cristallinité de l’illite, on a établi que les failles du secteur (1) ont fonctionné à une température d’environ 200°C pour une pression de 0.6Kbar et celles du secteur (2) dans une gamme de température de 200-220°C et de pression comprise entre 0.6 et 1.1 Kba. L’activité de la faille de Point-Vert a été datée par la méthode 40Ar/39Ar au Miocène inférieur (21 Ma). Ces failles sont interprétées comme associées aux premiers stades du soulèvement résultant de l’activité des chevauchements dans le socle sous-jacent.Deux types principaux de roches de failles caractérisent les failles étudiées. Les brèches dilatantes sont majoritaires dans les zones de failles du secteur (1) alors que les arkoses foliées sont majoritaires dans les zones de failles du secteur (2). Les brèches dilatantes témoignent de mécanismes de déformation dominés par la fracturation transgranulaire et la pression-solution des silicates. Ce dernier mécanisme se manifeste principalement par d’abondantes précipitations cycliques de quartz, les stylolites restant peu développés. Les géométries structurales sont associées à l’activation de plans T de Riedel déterminant l’ouverture de relais extensifs et un régime localement dilatant. Nous associons ce type de roche de faille à une faible pression effective au cours de la déformation.La déformation cisaillante exprimée dans les arkoses foliées témoigne de mécanismes de déformation dominés par (i) la fracturation intragranulaire et transgranulaire, (ii) la pressionsolution/ précipitation des silicates, principalement le quartz, (iii) la néoformation de micas blancs liée à l’altération des feldspaths et (iv) la précipitation de chlorite. Ce travail montre également que les transformations minéralogiques liées aux interactions fluide-roche dans la zone de faille (forte augmentation de la proportion des phyllosilicates au dépend des feldspaths) changent radicalementla composition minéralogique de la roche. Nous associons ce type de roche de faille à une forte pression effective au cours de la déformation.La pétrophysique montre que les brèches de failles (secteur 1) ont une perméabilité isotrope et équivalente à celle du protolithe (10-3mD sous 2 MPa de confinement) tandis que les roches foliées (secteur 2) montrent une augmentation de perméabilité (10-2mD) selon l’axe Y de la déformation, d’un ordre de grandeur supérieure aux perméabilités suivant les axes X et Z et dans la roche hôte (10-3mD). Ce drain préférentiel potentiel est associé à l’orientation des phyllosilicates dans la foliation.
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382

tel-01310382
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-01310382/file/Th%C3%A8seCAVAILHES2012.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
Claystone caprocks are often the ultimate seal for CO2 underground storage when residual CO2 gas reaches the reservoir top due to buoyancy. Permeability changes of a fractured claystone due to seepage of CO2-enriched brine and water vapor-saturated CO2 gas are investigated. Results show that brine flow induces a large porosity increase (up to 50%) in the vicinity of the fracture due to dissolution of calcite and quartz, while permeability remains unchanged. Conversely, cyclic flows of CO2-brine and CO2-gas increase the fracture aperture abruptly after each gas flow period, producing a progressive decrease of the caprock seal capacity. Aperture increase is controlled by decohesion of the clay framework within a micrometer-scale-thick layer induced by CO2-gas acidification. Results show that hydraulic aperture increases linearly with duration of the preceding CO2-brine flow period, emphasizing the kinetic control of the quartz grains dissolution during the brine flow periods.
ISSN: 0094-8276

hal-00412332
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00412332
DOI : 10.1029/2008GL034467

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD American Geophysical Union
Résumé : International audience
An analytical solution in the Laplace domain is derived for modeling anomalous pressure diffusion during pumping tests in aquifer displaying hierarchical fractal fracture networks. The proposed solution generalizes all of the analytical models for fractal flow published previously by combining multifractal diffusion and nested multiporosity with transient exchanges, interface skin effects, and well storage effect. Solutions are derived for fracture-delimited blocks with planar, cylindrical, and spherical shapes, as well as with any fractional dimensional shapes. Any combinations of these shapes can be defined in order to model a large range of situations. Within each permeability level, the fractal properties of the fracture network can be specified and the fractal dimension can be distinct from the shape dimension of the block.
ISSN: 0043-1397

hal-00411549
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-00411549
DOI : 10.1029/2008WR007125

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD
Résumé : Karst systems are the most important groundwater reservoirs in Mediterranean areas. Their structure and functioning are complex and not well known because of the high heterogeneity created and organised by groundwater flow. Water storage entities and water storage changes within remain difficult to assess by direct measurement and modelling. Geodetic monitoring is here used to constrain and bring original insights on karst system functioning. The Durzon karst system (Larzac plateau, Southern France) is monitored by several geodetic techniques: - Monthly absolute gravity measurements at three sites - Time-lapse surface to depth gravity measurements - Time-lapse microgravity surveying - Continuous long base hydrostatic tiltmeter monitoring at two sites Absolute gravity monitoring complemented with relative gravity surveys allows quantification of water storage changes on the studied karst system. Interannual water storage changes as detected by gravity are ~400 mm in amplitude. These storage changes are shown to occur in the epikarst and infiltration zone in certain areas. Water storage variations spatial heterogeneity is also demonstrated on the karst system. Tilt measurements monitor fast and slow infiltration processes within the karst fractured media. Karst system geodetic monitoring brings both quantitative and integrated hydrologic knowledge. Such methods could be applied to other karst aquifer studies.
Les aquifères karstiques constituent l'essentiel des ressources en eau souterraine sur le pourtour de la Méditerranée. Leur structure et leur fonctionnement sont complexes et mal connus à cause du processus de karstification qui hiérarchise la circulation hydrodynamique en leur sein. La localisation du stockage de l'eau et de ses variations au sein de tels aquifères est difficile à mesurer et à modéliser. Nous utilisons les outils de la géodésie pour apporter de nouvelles contraintes sur le fonctionnement hydrologique et les variations de stock d'eau en milieu karstique. Ainsi, le système karstique du Durzon, (Causse du Larzac, France) fait l'objet d'un suivi par plusieurs méthodes géodésiques incluant: - Des mesures de gravimétrie absolue en trois sites répétées de manière mensuelle ; - Des mesures répétées de gravimétrie relative entre la surface et la profondeur du karst ; - Des mesures répétées de microgravimétrie ; - Des mesures inclinométriques longue base en deux sites. Nous démontrons que le couplage entre la gravimétrie absolue et relative permet d'appréhender les variations de stock d'eau sur le bassin d'alimentation étudié. Les variations inter-anuelles observées sont de l'ordre de 400 mm, et nous montrons que celles-ci s'opèrent dans certaines zones au sein des horizons supérieurs du karst : épikarst et zone d'infiltration. Une forte hétérogénéité spatiale des variations de stockage est aussi mise en évidence à l'échelle du bassin d'alimentation. Les mesures inclinométriques permettent de suivre les phénomènes d'infiltration rapide et lente dans la masse karstique fracturée. Le suivi géodésique de ce système karstique permet d'apprécier quantitativement et de façon intégrée son fonctionnement hydrologique et pourra être transposé pour l'étude d'autres aquifère karstiques.
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00404851

tel-00404851
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00404851
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00404851/document
https://tel.archives-ouvertes.fr/tel-00404851/file/THESE_jacob.pdf

Éditeur(s) : HAL CCSD Oxford University Press (OUP)
Résumé : In this paper we present the potential of a new compact superconducting gravimeter (GWR iGrav) designed for groundwater monitoring. At first, 3 yr of continuous gravity data are evaluated and the performance of the instrument is investigated. With repeated absolute gravity measurements using a Micro-g Lacoste FG5, the calibration factor (−894.8 nm s−2 V−1) and the long-term drift of this instrument (45 nm s−2 yr−1) are estimated for the first time with a high precision and found to be respectively constant and linear for this particular iGrav. The low noise level performance is found similar to those of previous superconducting gravimeters and leads to gravity residuals coherent with local hydrology. The iGrav is located in a fully instrumented hydrogeophysical observatory on the Durzon karstic basin (Larzac plateau, south of France). Rain gauges and a flux tower (evapo-transpiration measurements) are used to evaluate the groundwater mass balance at the local scale. Water mass balance demonstrates that the karst is only capacitive: all the rainwater is temporarily stored in the matrix and fast transfers to the spring through fractures are insignificant in this area. Moreover, the upper part of the karst around the observatory appears to be representative of slow transfer of the whole catchment. Indeed, slow transfer estimated on the site fully supports the low-flow discharge at the only spring which represents all groundwater outflows from the catchment. In the last part of the paper, reservoir models are used to characterize the water transfer and storage processes. Particular highlights are done on the advantages of continuous gravity data (compared to repeated campaigns) and on the importance of local accurate meteorological data to limit misinterpretation of the gravity observations. The results are complementary with previous studies at the basin scale and show a clear potential for continuous gravity time-series assimilation in hydrological simulations, even on heterogeneous karstic systems.
ISSN: 0956-540X

hal-01526965
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526965
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526965/document
https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01526965/file/fores2016.pdf
DOI : 10.1093/gji/ggw396