3-D Architecture Modelng of Reservoir Compartments in a Shingled Turbidite Reservoir Using High-Resolution Seismic Data and Sparse Well Control, Example from Mars "Pink" Reservoir, Mississippi Canyon Area, Gulf of Mexico

Mark A. Chapin, Michael J. Mahaffie, and Gottfried M. Tiller

Economics of most deep-water development projects require large reservoir volumes to be drained with relatively few wells. The presence of reservoir compartments must therefore be detected and planned for in a predevelopment stage. We have used 3-D seismic data to constrain large-scale, deterministic reservoir bodies in a 3-D architecture model of Pliocene turbidite sands of the "E" or "Pink" reservoir, Prospect Mars, Mississippi Canyon Areas 763 and 807, Gulf of Mexico.

Reservoir compartmentalization is influenced by stratigraphic shingling, which in turn is caused by low accomodation space present in the upper portion of a ponded seismic sequence within a salt withdrawal mini-basin. The accumulation is limited by updip onlap onto a condensed section marl, and by lateral truncation by a large-scale submarine erosion surface. Compartments were suggested by RFT pressure variations and by geochemical analysis of RFT fluid samples.

A geological interpretation derived from high-resolution 3-D seismic and three wells was linked to 3-D architecture models through seismic inversion, resulting in a reservoir rock property distribution incorporating all available data. Distinguishing subtle stratigraphic shingles from faults was accomplished by detailed, loop-level mapping, and was important to characterize the different types of reservoir compartments. Seismic inversion was used to detune the seismic amplitude, adjust sandbody thickness, and update the rock properties. Recent development wells confirm the architectural style identified. This modeling project illustrates how high-quality seismic data and architecture models can be combined in a pre-development phase of a prospect, in order to optimize well placement.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California