Architectural Element Analysis of Fluvial Deposits within the Muddy Creek Formation, Southern Nevada: A Late Miocene Analog for Dryland Hydrocarbon Reservoirs

Thomas Muntean
University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Department of Geoscience
Las Vegas, Nevada [email protected]

The purpose of this project is to document fluvial deposits in the Muddy Creek Formation, southern Nevada. This project will analyze the sedimentary architecture of a sequence of Late Miocene fluvial deposits that are analogous to dryland fluvial hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Late Miocene fluvial-lacustrine deposits comprise the Muddy Creek Formation of southern Nevada. In the vicinity of the Overton Arm of Lake Mead, the formation consists predominantly of fluvial sandstone and conglomerate. An architectural element analysis will be conducted on fluvial deposits within the formation. Sedimentary structures will be mapped upon outcrop photomosaics. These mapped outcrops will be tied to measured stratigraphic sections, grain size data, porosity and permeability data, compositional data, and paleocurrent data. Hierarchical architectural elements will be interpreted for the formation based on these data and depositional modes will be determined.

Dryland fluvial deposits are emerging hydrocarbon reservoirs and their internal sedimentary architecture is poorly understood. This project will document the sedimentary architecture from one part of the Muddy Creek Formation that is analogous to these types of deposits. Global application of the results to dryland hydrocarbon reservoirs will further the understanding of primary structural controls on hydrocarbon migration and reservoir quality, as well as address issues related to compartmentalization of these reservoirs; allowing for improved reservoir characterization and application of better recovery techniques to these types of reservoirs.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90070 © 2007 AAPG Foundation Grants in Aid