Fault Traces: Generation of Fault Segments and Estimation of Their Fractal Dimension

Abstract Fault damage zones have a higher upscaled permeability than the host rock because of fracture intensity therein. Fracture distribution in zone depends highly on geometry fault segments. However, precise images architectural elements large-scale faults at depth are difficult to obtain by seismic acquisition and imaging techniques. We present numerical method that generates segments multiple scales from an imprecise trace based fractal properties these The generated demonstrate hierarchical self-similar architecture, their lengths follow approximately lognormal distribution. These characteristics similar real observed outcrops surveys. An algorithm covers accurately with minimum number circles is proposed calculate dimensions for both natural computer-generated faults. range between 1.2 1.4.