Banfield, Laura A.¹, Stan G. Davis², Ginny Riggert², Joshua C. Turner², Holly L. Harrison², Karen L. Lubke², Russ A. Schrooten²
(1) BP America Inc, Houston, TX
(2) BP America Inc,

ABSTRACT: Visualizing Reservoir Architecture and Connectivity in Pompano Field, Gulf of Mexico, a Deepwater Slope Channelized System

The use of 3D interpretation and visualization software allowed the rapid creation of models of reservoir distribution in the Pliocene- and Miocene-aged Pompano depositional systems. The models were used to examine the different kinds of channelization that occur in these deepwater slope systems and as a predictor of reservoir connectivity. Development of this type of model relies on an understanding of the relationship between seismic amplitude and reservoir presence.
In this study, seismic reflectivity data sets, including full stack, intercept and AVO gradient, have been inverted to impedances using a method called color inversion. For application to the Pliocene section, the full stack impedance was used; for the Miocene, the seismic acoustic and gradient impedances were combined to produce an impedance volume optimally tuned to lithologies and fluids. In both cases, negative seismic amplitudes are known to represent pay sands. Using Geoprobe software, three-dimensional models of the Pliocene- and Miocene- aged deepwater slope channelized systems were efficiently developed. These models confirmed the two different types of channelization observed in the Pompano systems: isolated and amalgamated. They also effectively facilitated comparison of the channel types and examination of the potential factors controlling the channelization type.
The interpreted Geoprobe models were also used to predict areas within the channelized systems with better or worse sand-to-sand connectivity. These predictions were then compared against production data. The good correlation between the actual production history and the connectivities predicted by the models indicates that this methodology is an interpretation tool that can be applied in other areas at exploration and appraisal stages.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90026©2004 AAPG Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, April 18-21, 2004.