This paper identifies formation interfaces that would appear to be "weak interfaces", in the Jurassic, Early- Cretaceous Vaca Muerta formation, in the Neuquén Basin, Argentina. Significant distribution of the weak interfaces was observed including contacts between volcanic ash layers of varying thicknesses, calcite-filled veins, and contacts between lithology changes, such as between argillaceous mudstone and mottled carbonates. The paper shows mineral and organic matter constituents of selected interfaces and suggests that interface weakness depends on certain composition and morphology of mineral and organic constituents associated with the interfaces. The understanding presented in this paper of the composition of interfaces is a first step toward both identifying the location and frequency of the weak interfaces throughout the formation and ultimately of determining the shear strength of these interfaces. These interfaces have a significant effect on hydraulic fractures used for completion stimulation.
Authors
- dr inż. Aleksandra Małachowska link open in new tab ,
- prof. dr hab. inż. Jan Hupka link open in new tab ,
- Sid Green,
- dr Roberto Suarez-rivera
Additional information
- Category
- Aktywność konferencyjna
- Type
- publikacja w wydawnictwie zbiorowym recenzowanym (także w materiałach konferencyjnych)
- Language
- angielski
- Publication year
- 2016
