Stress Path and its Application in Energy Geology: A Review

Session: Faults, Fractures, and Geomechanics for the Energy Transition

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Abstract:

Formation pressure and tectonic stress have always been two significant preconditions for research in the field of energy geology. Consequently, it has great significance to clarify the formation pressure, tectonic stress and their coupling effect for hydrocarbon exploration and development. At present, researchers mainly use stress path to characterize this coupling relationship. This study provides a summary for the phenomenon, mechanism and controlling factors of stress path. The applications of stress path in energy geology are further summarized. The analysis results based on the measured and simulated data show that the change of formation pressure will cause the coupling change of stress. With the deepening of understanding, this coupling effect can be mainly divided into types: one is controlled by compression, and the other is controlled by fault. Meanwhile, this coupling effect is controlled by initial stress state, different origins of overpressure and petrophysical properties. The specific control mechanism remains to be further explored. At present, the concept of stress path has been applied to the exploration and development of oil and gas reservoirs. These studies mainly include many aspects, such as cap rock integrity analysis, fault stability analysis, sedimentary migration simulation and reservoir anisotropy analysis. This effect has also taken into account in the CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage) technique. Therefore, with better understandings of the stress path and its application in energy geology, the hydrocarbon exploration and development can be better guide.