Mapping distribution of fractures in a reservoir with P-S converted waves

Where reservoir rock is very impermeable (limestones, cherts, dolomite, etc.), fractures may provide all or most of its porosity and effective permeability. Studies of producing oil wells in fractured limestones have determined a single fracture of width 1 mm, under favorable reservoir conditions, can provide sufficient permeability to yield over 1500 m3 (240 bbl) of oil per day. Consequently, mapping locations of high intensity fractures and determining their orientation/lateral extent could be of great value in reservoir development, especially for locating horizontal well sites.