--> Abstract: Enhanced Fault Seal Evaluation of Turbidite Systems in Mature Basins: Examples from Around the Globe, by P. W. Bradbury, S. R. Freeman, S. D. Harris, R. J. Knipe, W. D. Mcaffrey, J. H. Baas, and G. Lewis; #90039 (2005)

Datapages, Inc.Print this page

Enhanced Fault Seal Evaluation of Turbidite Systems in Mature Basins: Examples from Around the Globe

P. W. Bradbury1, S. R. Freeman1, S. D. Harris1, R. J. Knipe1, W. D. Mcaffrey2, J. H. Baas2, and G. Lewis3
1 Rock Deformation Research Ltd, Leeds, England
2 Turbidites Research Group, Leeds, England
3 ChevronTexaco North America, Houston, TX

Systematic evaluation of the effects of faulting on fluid flow within deep marine clastic reservoirs has been undertaken to create predictive tools for use within the hydrocarbons industry. Impact assessment of the interaction of basin and finer scale stratigraphy and structure is integral to reservoir risk evaluation. This study contributes to the prediction of stratigraphies and fault seal behaviour in a range of common deep marine settings.

Workflows assess key relationships between fluid flow, hydrocarbon entrapment and fault evolution. A twin approach of forward modelling stratigraphies/structures and back calibration of resulting geometries with outcrop and field analogues has been conducted to constrain numerical models. Realistic impact assessment of faulting within deep marine reservoirs from detailed outcrop studies has been undertaken. SW England, SE France, Wales and West Texas are utilised to characterise structural geometries and stratigraphic stacking sequences coupled with detailed evaluation of North Sea and GOM prospects. Available stratigraphic modelling packages have limitations associated with incomplete statistical data across a sufficiently wide range of basins. Our new hybrid stochastic approach generates 3D synthetic stratigraphies allowing realistic deep water stratigraphic architectures to be developed, faulted, cross fault flow properties computed and incorporated into commercial reservoir flow simulators.

Initial studies in 1/2D have generated results highlighting the influence of variable bed thicknesses within sequences of constant net:gross values. Our 3D statistical/physical modelling approach reduces uncertainty inherent in 1/2D studies allowing identification of critical stratigraphic and structural risk zones.

Our approach can be used to better understand the risks associated with exploration and production within deep marine clastic reservoirs.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90039©2005 AAPG Calgary, Alberta, June 16-19, 2005