Build the Geofabric
Moving beyond mere data and information, FrOG Tech is dedicated to providing its clients with a full understanding of the tectono-stratigraphic framework of the earth from the basement to the surface. We call this framework the geofabric.
The geofabric refers to the total set of knowledge concerning basement structure and composition, tectonics, fault geometry and timing, stratigraphy, lithology, facies architecture etc. In other words, anything that can the alter or control the movement of geofluids (oil and gas, groundwater, geothermal, carbon etc.) within the earth. And it is only with the geofabric that a wise decision can be made about resource management.
All observations sit within and can only be understood within the geofabric. Knowledge of the geofabric allows answers (or at least allows you to understand the knowledge gaps) for a range of questions.
- Why does this well have no pressure?
- What will happen if I stress this aquifer?
- How much carbon can I store?
- Will mining here, mobilise toxic chemicals?
- How does a region plan their resource base for the future?
- Where is the best place to develop geothermal power?
- Who might be affected by this proposed mine?
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Deep aquifers geometry controlled by the geofabric.
The FrOG Tech approach is unique. Relying not just on one expert, but a team of specialists each contributing to the overall project to maximise both speed and accuracy. For example, in building the geofabric, FrOG Tech utilises basin analysis (e.g. sequence stratigraphy, seismic interpretation, petroleum systems, sedimentology, biostratigraphy and well log analysis), structural geology (e.g. tectonics and geodynamic processes), geophysics (e.g. gravity and magnetic modelling, map production and depth conversion), data and GIS specialists (e.g. development of integrated databases and internet based analysis tools), geothermal experts and hydrogeologists. All contributing to produce the best product in the shortest possible time.
Examples of products derived from the geofabric are:
- reservoir/aquifer volume;
- compartmentalisation of the aquifer/reservoir;
- predictive targets for groundwater exploration;
- the nature and quality of aquitard/seals;
- input to groundwater models;
- geothermal targets;
- locations where CO2 is supercritical;
- coal seam thickness and geometry;
- importance of faults and fracturing in fluid flow;
- identification of preferential pathways;
- predictions of water quality and quantity in coal seams;
- the best places to site a monitoring well; and
- fluid pathways and dependencies.
In its simplest form, an example of the FrOG Tech approach for groundwater assessment contains the following:
- Define the geologic framework or geofabric for the basement and each mappable sedimentary unit;
- Estimate porosity, permeability for each aquifer/aquitard (predicting away from control);
- Map the geological extent of the aquifer/aquitard including properties;
- Estimate total volume of water storage by aquifer plus potentiometric surface and salinity;
- Build a conceptual model for each aquifer/reservoir system;
- Assign risk to all components of each groundwater system and apply CRAP™ estimates for each system; and
- Undertake a numerical assessment to calculate the effects of perturbation of geofluids on other systems.
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Top of the Pretty Hill Formation an example of a geofabric product.