--> ABSTRACT: Application of Paleontological Data to the Definition of Reservoir Architecture at Shell's Auger and Mars Fields, by A. E. DuVernay, B. J. O'Neill, M. Rannik, M. J. Styzen; #91020 (1995).

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Application of Paleontological Data to the Definition of Reservoir Architecture at Shell's Auger and Mars Fields

A. E. DuVernay, B. J. O'Neill, M. Rannik, M. J. Styzen

Exploratory drilling in the Mars Basin (Mississippi Canyon Blocks 763, 806 and 807) was aided by the recognition of regional and sub-regional condensed sections between the turbidite basin-fill packages. These shales and marls were critical to correlation of individual reservoir units within the field and helped resolve complexities near vertical salt faces where seismic imaging is difficult. Detailed biostratigraphic correlations were used to demonstrate stratigraphic pinch-out of reservoir sands rather than erosional or structural truncation near salt effecting volume estimates and planning of well paths.

Local biostratigraphic markers developed within Shell's Auger Field (Garden Banks Blocks 426 and 470) were used to resolve erosional unconformities effecting individual reservoir units. Models of reservoir architecture developed from 3D seismic imaging were non-unique until integrated with high resolution biostratigraphic analysis. Refined models indicated that a planned development well would likely have encountered wet sands instead of the anticipated hydrocarbon bearing section. Avoiding the dry hole saved approximately $12 million.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91020©1995 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, May 5-8, 1995