Abstract: A method is performed for defining optimal landing location(s) of horizontal wells for hydraulic fracturing stimulation, for improved well performance of unconventional reservoirs. The method includes evaluating one or more planes of weakness, pinch-out points, or thin rock layering in the reservoir that may impede hydraulic fracture growth or may close fractured sections during production. The method can include conducting detailed analysis on core and open hole logs, and defining the presence, density, orientation, spacing, and mechanical properties of various thin interfaces and barriers in the rock mass. The method can include classifying the barriers or thin interfaces based on their effect on hydraulic fracture growth or fracture connectivity, and on uncertainty of their effect.

Abstract: Methods for simulating the movement of fluid through a formation volume comprises defining a lab-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability along a single well location within a formation volume and converting the lab-scale model to a field-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability at the single well location. The field-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability is correlated with field-scale log data and interpolated between multiple well locations so as to create a field-scale model representing rock fabric and associated permeability across the formation volume so that the movement of fluid through the formation volume can be simulated.