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Multi-scale study of Fracture Network Geometry and Topological Heterogeneity: Application to the Argana Corridor, Morocco

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

Presenting Author:

Salih AMARIR

Authors:

AMARIR, Salih¹, SKIKRA, Hamza², BELFOUL, Alaeddine Mhamed³, IKIRRI, Mustapha⁴, KURTZ, Robin⁵, WEISENBERGER, Tobias Björn⁶

(1) Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic Benguerir, Benguerir, Marrakech Safi, Morocco, (2) Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Benguerir, Marrakech Safi, Morocco, (3) Laboratory of Structural Geology and Thematic Mapping, Faculty of Sciences Agadir, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco, (4) Laboratory of Structural Geology and Thematic Mapping, Faculty of Sciences Agadir, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco, (5) Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Benguerir, Morocco, (6) Geology and Sustainable Mining Institute, University Mohammed VI Polytechnic, Benguerir, Morocco,

Abstract:

Fracture network geometry and topology are critical parameters for characterizing subsurface fluid flow in siliciclastic reservoirs, particularly in settings affected by polyphase tectonic deformation. This study presents a multiscale characterization of fracture network in the Permo-Triassic formation of the Argana Corridor (Western High Atlas, Morocco), which serves as a reservoir analogue. This region, marked by polyphase tectonics and lithological heterogeneity (conglomerates, sandstones, and mudstones), provides well-exposed outcrops that allow surface-based fracture analysis. Fractures and tectono-lineaments were extracted from a combination of remote sensing datasets, including satellite data (Landsat 8 OLI, Sentinel-1A SAR and ALOS PALSAR DEM), high-resolution Unmanned Aerial Vehicle orthophotographs, and outcrop-scale photographs, allowing a consistent structural assessment from regional to local scales. Geometrical, topological, and scaling parameters were quantified using NetworkGT tools, including structures orientation, length, intensity, connectivity, node type distribution, and fractal dimension. Orientation analysis reveals three main fracture sets: ENE–WSW to NE–SW, NNE–SSW, and WNW–ESE to NW–SE. The ENE–WSW set formed during Triassic–Early Jurassic rifting (extensional) and was reactivated during Alpine compression. NNE–SSW fractures reflect inverted rift structures affected by compressional stresses. The WNW–ESE to NW–SE set developed during the late Alpine strike-slip to transpressional deformation. This polyphase evolution highlights the control of successive tectonic events on fracture development. Fracture density and connectivity are significantly higher in fine-grained facies, reflecting more efficient fracture propagation and clustering in mechanically homogeneous materials. Fractal analysis further indicates that network complexity increases with decreasing grain size of the lithological unit, highlighting the influence of lithological texture on fracture organization and spatial distribution. Fracture density, connectivity, and network complexity quantitatively demonstrate the combined influence of lithological contrast and structural inheritance on fracture development. These findings support improved predictive modeling of fracture connectivity and fluid pathways in layered siliciclastic reservoirs, with broad applications for geothermal, hydrocarbon, and groundwater resource management.