Abstract: Miltidimensional Approaches to Geologic Classification of Proved Petroleum Zones for Appraisal of Potential Areas--Cluster and Correspondence Analyses

C. Bois, G. Gess, B. de Jekhowsky

Hydrocarbon pools generally are grouped within "petroleum zones" defined as continuous sedimentary volumes characterized by hydrocarbons of similar chemical compositions and by reservoirs belonging to the same producing zones. Petroleum zones have been described by several standard parameters. They form a continuously expanding file which now includes more than 125 zones in 40 countries.

The geologic similarities between each pair of petroleum zones have been computed and studied by cluster analysis. As a result, the whole file of petroleum zones may be split into several geologically homogeneous "classes." These classes may be considered as types of oil and gas habitat which are characterized both by narrowly ranged parameters and by correlations between petroleum and geologic parameters.

Correspondence analysis (factor analysis using chisquare) carried out with the geologic parameters together leads also to a classification of the petroleum zones which may be studied in the main-factors subspace. Within a class (or type), the analysis visualizes the geologic and petroleum parameters together and makes clear the relations between them.

Any area to be appraised may be referred to the preceding "types" using both multidimensional approaches. Approximate values of its petroleum parameters may be predicted by means of regression techniques. These methods are another tool to support the geologist's judgment with experience drawn from a great number of worldwide petroleum occurrences.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90968©1977 AAPG-SEPM Annual Convention and Exhibition, Washington, DC