Modelling of seismic wave propagation through realistic and complex fracture networks

Rock heterogeneities exist in mostly all rock types present in the Earth’s crust. Fractures are one such heterogeneity, which can range in size from very small micro-scale diffuse fractures to huge kilometer-wide regional features and meso-scale fracture corridors. The characterisation of fracture properties has many important implications for a wide range of industries. One way of characterising fractures is by making use of numerical forward modelling experiments. By observing how seismic waves are being affected when travelling through fractured media, information about the fractures might be obtained. In this study, seismic wave propagation through various fracture models is being investigated, using a finite difference modelling code (FDELMODC). The main objectives of this work are to determine whether the effects of fractures can be seen in the seismic response, and in particular whether the seismic method can be used to detect fracture networks. In addition to investigating whether the detection of fractures and fracture networks is possible, this study also focuses on the question whether fractures and fracture patterns can be identified.Applied Geophysics and PetrophysicsGeoscience & EngineeringCivil Engineering and Geoscience