Modeling Multi-Scale Heterogeneities in Synrift Tidal-Shallow Marine Deposits Using Integrated Digital-Outcrop and Traditional Field Geology: Suez Rift

Frank Rarity, Rob L. Gawthorpe, David Hodgetts, and Paul Wilson
Basin Studies and Petroleum Geoscience, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom

Syn-tectonic tidal-shallow marine systems are inherently complex and heterogeneous over a wide range of scales. This study adopts an integrated approach incorporating quantitative digital outcrop surveying and detailed field geology to address multi-scale basin-wide heterogeneities in the Oligo-Miocene tidal-shallow marine rift initiation succession, Nukhul Formation, Gulf of Suez. Exceptional pseudo-3D exposure on the Sinai rift flank provides superb outcrop analogues for the complex facies and sequence architecture of syn-tectonic tidally influenced shallow marine reservoirs. The multi-scale approach allows the upscaling of data from individual exposures to address full field reservoir modeling and near field exploration problems.

Terrestrial LIDAR allows the rapid acquisition of accurate and three-dimensional outcrop data. Detailed field observations have been digitally integrated with the LIDAR scans resulting in highly quantitative outcrop datasets. Key structural and stratigraphic architectural elements as well as small-scale facies and thickness variations can be accurately measured and mapped at multiple scales (<10-1 to 103 m), facilitating the quantification of heterogeneity within individual architectural elements as well as their geometry, orientation, pinch-outs and spatial relationships to one another.

Multi-scale modelling of the Nukhul Formation reveals local variation in facies stacking and dispersal patterns related to growth folds, fault propagation and fault segment linkage. The models have been used to quantify and help understand subtle controls on early syn-rift facies distributions, lateral and vertical lithological and petrophysical variations and to identify sub-seismic boundary surfaces. The quantitative outcrop models also facilitate the development of accurate palaeogeographic and tectono-stratigraphic models.

AAPG International Conference and Exhibition, Cape Town, South Africa 2008 © AAPG Search and Discovery