Abstract: A 3-D Seismic Investigation of the Ray Gas Storage Reef, Macomb County, Michigan

Stephen F. Schaefer, Richard A. Dixon

A 4.2 mi² 3-D seismic survey was acquired over the Ray Niagaran reef gas storage field in southeast Michigan as part of a program to maximize storage capacity and gas deliverability of the storage reservoir. Goals of the survey were to (1) determine if additional storage capacity could be found either as extensions to the Ray reef or as undiscovered satellite reefs, (2) investigate the relationship between the main reef body and a low-relief gas well

east of the reef, and (3) determine if seismic data can be used to quantify reservoir parameters to maximize the productive capacity of infill wells.

Interpretation of the 3-D seismic data resulted in a detailed image of the reef, using several interpretive techniques. A seismic reflection within the reef was correlated with a known porosity zone, and a possible relationship between porosity and seismic amplitude was investigated. A potential connection between the main reef and the low-relief gas well was identified. This project illustrates the economic value of investigating an existing storage reef with 3-D seismic data, and underscores the necessity of such a survey prior to developing a new storage reservoir.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90984©1994 AAPG Annual Convention, East Lansing, Michigan, September 18-20, 1994