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  | isbn    = 0891813721

  | isbn    = 0891813721

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In structurally simple fields, the main control on production behavior is the distribution of lithofacies. In structurally complex fields, faults and [[fracture]]s provide major elements influencing production performance. This article discusses the data used to establish the presence of faults and how faults are mapped for reservoir models. The reservoir structure can be analyzed at two different scales: the seismic scale and the well scale. The interpretation of faults and structure at the seismic scale is made by the seismic interpreter whereas the production geologist analyzes the structures from core and log data. Having established a fault framework for a field, it is important to know whether or not fluid flow communication occurs across the faults. Techniques are available to predict the likelihood of this. Sometimes sealing faults break down and open up to flow after a field has been producing for a few years. This reflects the change in the stress state of the reservoir as a result of pressure depletion.

In structurally simple fields, the main control on production behavior is the distribution of [[lithofacies]]. In structurally complex fields, faults and [[fracture]]s provide major elements influencing production performance. This article discusses the data used to establish the presence of faults and how faults are mapped for reservoir models. The reservoir structure can be analyzed at two different scales: the seismic scale and the well scale. The interpretation of faults and structure at the seismic scale is made by the seismic interpreter whereas the production geologist analyzes the structures from core and log data. Having established a fault framework for a field, it is important to know whether or not fluid flow communication occurs across the faults. Techniques are available to predict the likelihood of this. Sometimes sealing faults break down and open up to flow after a field has been producing for a few years. This reflects the change in the stress state of the reservoir as a result of pressure depletion.

[[file:M91Ch6FG47.JPG|thumb|300px|{{figure number|1}}Seismic line and equivalent interpretation through the Penguin C South field, UK North Sea (from Dominguez<ref name=Dominguez_2007>Dominguez, R., 2007, Structural evolution of the Penguins cluster, UK northern North Sea, in S. J. Jolley, D. Barr, J. J. Walsh, and R. J. Knipe, eds., Structurally complex reservoirs: Geological Society (London) Special Publication 292, p. 25–48.</ref>). Reprinted with permission from the Geological Society.]]

[[file:M91Ch6FG47.JPG|thumb|300px|{{figure number|1}}Seismic line and equivalent interpretation through the Penguin C South field, UK North Sea (from Dominguez<ref name=Dominguez_2007>Dominguez, R., 2007, Structural evolution of the Penguins cluster, UK northern North Sea, in S. J. Jolley, D. Barr, J. J. Walsh, and R. J. Knipe, eds., Structurally complex reservoirs: Geological Society (London) Special Publication 292, p. 25–48.</ref>). Reprinted with permission from the Geological Society.]]