Geomorphology Applied to Heterogeneity Distribution in Point-Bar Setting, Example from the Fluvio-Estuarine Mcmurray Formation, Canada

Richard Labourdette¹ and Vincent Delhaye-prat^2
1TOTAL S.A./Montpellier 2 University, Pau, France
²TOTAL S.A., Pau, France

In the McMurray Formation fine scale sedimentary heterogeneity distribution in point-bar depositional settings has proved to be paramount, particularly for hydrocarbon extraction using Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage. Our example is taken from the Surmont lease in the Athabasca heavy oil province and presents the typical architecture of a point-bar developed in fluvio-estuarine setting. In this setting, the evolution through time of this point-bar leads to a complex arrangement of depositional facies and therefore of associated heterogeneities.

The spatial heterogeneity distribution in point-bar architectural elements using classical subsurface or outcrop analyses is usually restricted to one type of dataset or constrained by limited exposures or investigation methods. The workflow presented integrates different datasets, from three-dimensional high resolution seismic, classical well analysis to outcrop observations, in order to create a realistic three-dimensional facies distribution linked with hydrologic process evolutions. Studying this spatial distribution by integrating various datasets is therefore an innovative approach.

The result of this study is the characterisation and reconstruction of reservoir heterogeneity distribution through time and space. A relationship can therefore be established between the spatial evolution of preserved heterogeneity and depositional process evolution through time.

The point-bar appears to be divided into two distinct episodes, dominated by fluvial and mixed fluvial-tide processes respectively. The thorough study of each defined package allows the reconstruction of spatial heterogeneity distribution, resulting from the opposed actions of fluvial and tide currents, which can be crucial for reservoir management.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas