--> ABSTRACT: The Triassic Argilo Gréseux-Inferieur (TAG-I) of Algeria: High-resolution Chemostratigraphy as a Correlation Tool in Proximal to Distal Fluvial Facies, by Martin, John, Tim Pearce, Ken Ratcliffe, David Lawton, Andrew Hughes, Fadila Bessa; #90026 (2004)

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Martin, John1, Tim Pearce1, Ken Ratcliffe1, David Lawton2, Andrew Hughes3, Fadila Bessa4 
(1) Chemostrat Limited, Llanfyllin, United Kingdom 
(2) BHP Billiton Petroleum Ltd, London, United Kingdom 
(3) Burlington Resources, London, United Kingdom
(4) Sonatrach/PED, Hydra, Algiers, Algeria

ABSTRACT: The Triassic Argilo Gréseux-Inferieur (TAG-I) of Algeria: High-resolution Chemostratigraphy as a Correlation Tool in Proximal to Distal Fluvial Facies

Triassic sandstones of the Berkine Basin in Algeria (the TAG-I) form a prolific oil reservoir that is part of a SW-NE trending fluvio-lacustrine depositional system, extending eastwards from Algeria through southern Tunisia (Kirchaou Formation) into western Libya (Ras Hamia Formation). On both a regional and reservoir scale, the TAG-I is typified by marked lateral facies variations, which combined with poor biostratigraphic control and weak seismic definition, make stratigraphic correlation problematic. 
In order to better understand the regional and intra-field stratigraphy, high-resolution chemostratigraphy has been carried out on approximately 2000 core samples, from over 40 wells. The wells in the study are oriented SW-NE along the fluvial axis, from the MLSE field in the SW to the ROD field in the NE. From SW to NE, along the fluvial axis, the sequences change from sandstone-rich braided fluvial facies (e.g. MLSE, MLN and MLC fields) to more shale-prone, low - high sinuosity fluvial facies (e.g. ROD, BSF and SFNE fields). High-resolution chemostratigraphy allows regional correlation, even though there is marked lateral facies variation. The chemostratigraphic correlation framework is based on inorganic geochemical variations attributed to temporal changes in paleoclimate and sediment provenance. On a local, intra-field scale, stratigraphic studies of reservoir sections, supported by high-resolution chemostratigraphy, enable the distribution of hydrocarbons to be mapped with more confidence. Additionally, when formation pressure and well test data are incorporated, barriers and baffles to production can be mapped, allowing the optimum strategy for field development to be formulated

 

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