The development extent of fractures is a decisive factor that affects the productivity of a fractured reservoir. In order to better understand and reveal the development characteristic of a fractured reservoir, the characteristics and the formation mechanism of fractures in the west tip of Sinjar uplift are studied using the methods of structural analysis and correlation of structural elements based on 3D seismic and FMI data. The fractures are vertically stratified with anticlockwise- rotating strikes from lower to upper formations. The development of the fractures sees a close relationship with the reactivation of large faults developed in the underlying layers. The reactivated deep faults in the later stage are the strike-slip faults, and the strikes rotate anticlockwise while developing upward, which affects the orientation of new fractures developed on the top layer of the strike-slip faults. Due to the importance of fractures to carbonate reservoirs, and the close relationship between the shallow fractures and the deep-burying strike-slip faults, the intensity of fractures is decreasing upward from Jaddala formation to Chilou formation, and the areas with deep faults being developed shall be good prospecting places.

carbonate reservoir  /  fractures  /  Sinjar uplift  /  Syria