Online Journal for E&P Geoscientists

Lodola, Domenico ^*1; Martin, Richard J.¹; Casey, Dave M.¹; Davies, Roger ¹; Sharland, Peter R.¹; Simmons, Mike ¹
(1) Neftex Petroleum Consultants Ltd, Abingdon, United Kingdom.

We present a 3D Earth Model of the Arabian Plate and demonstrate live its use for the rapid assessment of play potential, with an example from the Khuff gas play in eastern Arabia. The model encompasses all strata from basement to surface, and covers an area of c. 1,200 by 1,200km with a grid size of 10km. Based on our robust sequence stratigraphic framework and a database of publically available information, the model is divided into 82 layers corresponding to key 1st, 2nd and 3rd order depositional sequences.

Regional play evaluations demand the integration of large volumes of data and interpretations from a wide variety of sources, including wells, seismic, facies maps, structure maps and basin modelling. Historically a task for an experienced explorer and a light table, the advent of geographical information systems (GIS) allows greater efficiencies and some automation of workflows, but still does not offer complete integration of data, applications and products.

Recent advances in computer hardware and software, in particular Petrel 2011* from Schlumberger Information Solutions, enables us to build 3D geological models at a scale appropriate for regional exploration. Petrel 2011 and related software allow us to load and manipulate all the data required to carry out play evaluations, and offers an environment where all data and interpretations are fully integrated. The resulting models then allow the user to visualise geological features in both the depth and geological time domains. This not only improves efficiencies, but adds increased insight into the geological basis for petroleum system and play fairway analysis.

The resulting Arabian Plate Earth Model allows identification and visualisation of the extent of key reservoirs, seals and source rocks, greater understanding of their stratigraphic and geometrical relationships, and rapid assessment of their quality and maturity. Common risk segment maps can then be generated and combined on any layer within the model, and for any play element. Applied to the Khuff gas play, this enables us to rapidly produce (and update with new data if needed) a regional play risk map for the Khuff and identify areas of higher potential for this play.

*A mark of Schlumberger