Fractures network analysis and interpretation in carbonate rocks using a multi-criteria statistical approach. Case study of Jebal Chamsi and Jebal Belkhir, South-western part of Tunisia

The quantitative analysis of fractures in carbonate rocks across termination folds is important for the understanding of the fractures network distribution and arrangement. In this study, we performed a quantitative analysis and interpretation of fracture network to identify the fracture networks type. For this reason, we used a multi-criteria statistical analysis. The distribution of directional families in all measured stations and their elemental distribution are firstly examined. Then we performed the analysis of directional criteria for each of the two and three neighbouring stations. Finally, the elemental analyses of fracture families crossing others were carried out. This methodology was applied to the folds of Jebal Chamsi and Jebal Belkhir areas located in south western Tunisia characterized by simple folds of carbonate geological formations. The application of the global and the elemental statistical analysis criteria of directional families show a random arrangement of fractures. However, elemental analysis of two and three neighbouring stations for families crossing one another shows a pseudo-organization of fracture arrangements. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.