Analysis of spatial arrangement of fractures in two dimensions using point process statistics

Here we present a methodology that quantifies fracture arrangement in space as a function of position (bary-centers), size (trace length in 2D), and orientation (variation in strike). We use point process statistics to analyze distances between barycenters and estimate a confidence interval for randomness that is compared with input data. The methodology can discriminate at least four types of spatial arrangements and identifies preferential associations of distances with fracture length and orientation. We apply our method to two naturally fractured formations and show that it can determine fracture arrangements under a significant statistical confidence.

Automated summary

This study presents a methodology that quantifies the arrangement of fractures in space by considering position, size, and orientation. Point process statistics are used to analyze distances between fractures and estimate the randomness in comparison with input data. The method can differentiate at least four types of spatial arrangements and identify preferential associations between distance, fracture length, and orientation.