Fracture analysis of the Asmari Formation of Dara anticline, as analog model for other Asmari subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs

The quality of the Asmari Formation, as the reservoir rock of almost three-quarters of the explored oil In Southwest Iran, is often affected by the fractures system. In this paper, in order to study fracture patterns in the Asmari Formation, as well as to present an analog model for other Asmari reservoirs, the Dara anticline in South Dezful depression, which has extensive outcrops of the Asmari Formation, has been studied. During field studies, eleven stations on the anticline, in its different structural positions, have been investigated. In the southwestern limb, four fracture sets trending AZ40-50,AZ130-140,AZ10-20,AZ80-90, in the northeastern limb four fracture sets trending AZ130-140,AZ50-60,AZ170-180,AZ110-120, and in its hinge area, three fracture sets with AZ50-60,AZ130-140,AZ0-10 trends have been identified. From the structural perspective, all the identified fracture sets are associated with folding. In this study, the relative formation time of the identified fractures relative to folding, has been diagnosed as before or simultaneously with folding. Based on field studies, fractures density in the Dara anticline, the Asmari outcrop, ranges from 11.75 to 2 fractures per meter. Indeed, variation range of the fracture length is 1 to 25 m and most fractures have a length of lower than 5 meters. Also, in this study it was found that there is a negative logarithmic relationship between fracture density and sedimentary layers thickness.