Geology Shale Smear Factor Ssf Calculator
SSF throw/source-bed thickness separately for mapped shale beds; no predicted smear continuity or seal threshold. Caller independently establishes matching units, evidence, method edition and applicability; output is not compliance, diagnosis, work-safety approval, geological identity or validated hazard prediction.
Description
A shale-smear factor relates fault throw to the thickness of a particular shale bed.
A shale-smear factor relates fault throw to the thickness of a particular shale bed.1
Separate beds can have different factors, and the ratio alone does not establish continuous smear or hydraulic sealing. Use this tool to calculate shale smear factor ssf from the supplied measurements and assumptions.
When to use Geology Shale Smear Factor Ssf Calculator
Use this tool to calculate shale smear factor ssf from the supplied measurements and assumptions. Establish the measurement units, sampled interval, calibration or model edition and geological assumptions before entering data.
How to use Geology Shale Smear Factor Ssf Calculator and understand its results
- Establish the measurement units, sampled interval, calibration or model edition and geological assumptions before entering data.
- Enter faultThrowM, sourceShaleThicknessesM, using the field meanings and rules below, then run the tool.
- Read sourceShaleSmearFactors. Interpret the fields using their units, signs and evidence conventions below.
- If input validation fails, correct the reported field and run again. Before applying the result, check reference scope, model assumptions and any missing evidence or placeholder values.
| Input field | Meaning | Value type | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| faultThrowM | Fault throw m | number | Required |
| sourceShaleThicknessesM | Source shale thicknesses m | list of number | Required |
Require nonnegative throw and a nonempty list of positive source-bed thicknesses in meters. Divide the common throw by each thickness and retain list order. Zero throw returns zero factors; no smear geometry or continuity criterion is applied.
SSF_i=faultThrowM/shaleThicknessM_i Use the exact units, boundary rules, ordering and missing-evidence conventions above.
| Output field | Meaning | Value type |
|---|---|---|
| sourceShaleSmearFactors | Source Shale Smear Factors; follow the units, sign, ordering and evidence convention stated above | list of number |
{
"input": {
"faultThrowM": 20,
"sourceShaleThicknessesM": [
2,
4
]
},
"output": {
"sourceShaleSmearFactors": [
10,
5
]
}
}Limitations and assumptions
Separate beds can have different factors, and the ratio alone does not establish continuous smear or hydraulic sealing. Interpretation depends on the units, sampling scope and exact model described above.
All listed fields require explicit values. Unexpected fields, incorrect types, nonfinite numbers and sparse evidence arrays fail validation; the specific bounds and alignment requirements are stated above. Extremely large inputs or outputs can also be rejected. An input error is distinct from a successful result reporting false, no matches or missing evidence.
Alternative or Complementary methods
Use Geology Fault Seal Capacity Sgr Calculator for this related task: A shale-gouge-style fraction averages clay content over independently chosen bed thicknesses.
Use Geology Fault Gouge Thickness Calculator when its separate inputs and assumptions fit the question: A gouge thickness can be estimated from intervals along a fault-normal traverse already classified as gouge.
References
Similar or alternative tools
- Geology Fault Seal Capacity Sgr Calculator
A shale-gouge-style fraction averages clay content over independently chosen bed thicknesses.
- Geology Fault Gouge Thickness Calculator
A gouge thickness can be estimated from intervals along a fault-normal traverse already classified as gouge.