There are 2 basic types of natural fractures that need to be studied when characterising naturally fractured reservoirs - whether it be a geothermal or hydrocarbon reservoir. These are extension and shear fractures.
This blog outlines a simple method to predict fracture distribution from geomechanical principles including the common observation that thicker beds usually have less and more widely spaced fractures than thinner beds.
Here, we have a look at some naturally fractured sandstone outcrops in Caithness Scotland which are an analogue for the giant Clair Field, West of Shetland.