HARTLEY, ADRIAN, MALCOLM HOLE, JEREMY PRESTON, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom; and ALASDAIR HUTCHISON, BP Exploration, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

Abstract: Stratigraphic Prediction and Correlation in Deep Marine Reservoirs Using an Integrated Trace Element Geochemical, Petrographic and Heavy Mineral Approach: Examples from Modern and Ancient Analogues and U.K.C.S. Reservoirs

Despite an extensive database from modern and ancient turbidite systems, our knowledge of these deposits does not allow accurate prediction of the dimensions and connectivity of sandstone bodies in hydrocarbon reservoirs. Trace element geochemistry when combined with petrography, heavy mineral studies and biostratigraphy can provide a rapid, cost-effective correlation technique (beyond that of high resolution biostratigraphy) which can be used on both core and cuttings. Ultimately the technique may be able to establish proximal-distal relationships within specific flow types and therefore predict grain size distribution (and by proxy - poroperm characteristics) within flows.

The trace element geochemical technique developed at the University of Aberdeen is based upon the presence of characteristic immobile trace elements in certain heavy mineral species. Rapid, accurate measurement of these trace element abundances using X-Ray Fluorescence (and confirmed through electron microprobe and backscatter SEM analysis) allows an assessment of heavy mineral distribution from which potentially predictive correlation schemes can be constructed. Examples will be shown from outcrop analogue databases and a Tertiary reservoir from a UKCS field.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90923@1999 International Conference and Exhibition, Birmingham, England