Published Resources Details
Journal Article
- Title
- Reservoirs in Naturally Fractured Rock
- In
- ATSE focus
- Imprint
- vol. 111, Mar/Apr 2000
- Abstract
A paper on the Great Artesian Basin by the author was published in Focus No. 108 of July-August 1999 and may be viewed on the Academy website. In that paper it was noted that the interpretation of the characteristics of the Basin by the state governments involved is that the aquifer rocks are porous sandstones, and that they are replenished by slow seepage from outcrops hundreds of kilometres away. The paper by the author described how that view was incorrect. It was stated that the strata are naturally fractured rocks, and that there is no significant lateral recharge from surface outcrops.
A Fellow of the Academy, Dr. Brian Spies, who is Director of the CRC for Australian Mineral Exploration Technologies, has now advised that a similar difference of opinion is unfolding in the study of petroleum reservoirs. Many petroleum reservoirs, previously regarded as porous rocks, are now being 'discovered' to be naturally fractured rocks. The reluctance to accept this evidence is described as 'fracture denial'. These new 'discoveries' illustrate the way that mathematical models that may have been devised long ago to assist calculation, may in fact bias our thinking for extended periods.
The paper concludes by referring to some exciting new concepts about earth history which seem likely to challenge many accepted ideas.
Related Published resources
hasReview
- Berry, K., 'Porous media flow in the Great Artesian Basin', ATSE focus, 114 (2000). Details
- Hillier, J.; Kellett, J.; Williams, M.; Rooke, E.; Foster, L.; Love, A.; Herczeg, A., 'Response to comments made by Professor L Endersbee on the Great Artesian Basin of Australia', ATSE focus, 114 (2000). Details