Fractal Characterization of Multimodal, Multiscale Images of Shale Rock Fracture Networks

An array of multimodal and multiscale images of fractured shale rock samples and analogs was collected with the aim of improving the numerical representation of fracture networks. 2D and 3D reconstructions of fractures and matrices span from 10(-6) to 10(0) m. The origin of the fracture networks ranged from natural to thermal maturation to hydraulically induced maturation. Images were segmented to improve fracture identification. Then, the fractal dimension and length distribution of the fracture networks were calculated for each image dataset. The resulting network connectivity and scaling associations are discussed at length on the basis of scale, sample and order of magnitude. Fracture network origin plays an important role in the resulting fracture systems and their scaling. Rock analogs are also evaluated using these descriptive tools and are found to be faithful depictions of maturation-induced fracture networks.

Automated summary

In this study, an array of fractured shale rock samples and analogs were collected to improve the numerical representation of fracture networks. The analysis of multimodal and multiscale images revealed that the origin of the fracture networks plays a crucial role in the resulting fracture systems and their scaling. The evaluation of rock analogs using descriptive tools demonstrated their faithfulness in depicting maturation-induced fracture networks.