--> Overburden Estimation: A New Model for the UK Sector of the Central North Sea
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Previous HitOverburdenNext Hit Previous HitEstimationNext Hit: A New Previous HitModelNext Hit for the UK Sector of the Central North Sea

Abstract

Pore pressure, fracture pressure and geomechanical studies require accurately determined Previous HitoverburdenNext Hit stress magnitudes which sum up the combined weight of overlying materials to the depth of interest. Ideally, Previous HitoverburdenNext Hit stress is determined from in-situ density data. Such data is not available for pre-drill studies where offset data or an Previous HitoverburdenNext Hit Previous HitmodelNext Hit must be used. Often, a quick-fix approach is to assume a simple constant gradient (usually 0.9 psi/ft or 1.0 psi/ft) for the Previous HitoverburdenNext Hit or any missing sections of the density log. A simple Previous HitoverburdenNext Hit function or trend is not appropriate in the Central North Sea due to the abrupt changes with depth in lithology and sediment compaction state. In order to minimize this limitation, a new Previous HitoverburdenNext Hit stress Previous HitmodelNext Hit has been developed based on the four distinct, geologically driven, density trends that are seen in the Central North Sea. The sub-divisions are: (1) the over-compacted shallow sediments lying above the mid-Miocene Unconformity (MMU); (2) the progressively compacted sediments between the MMU and the Chalk; (3) the Chalk itself and; (4) the sub-Chalk sediments. The Previous HitoverburdenTop stress (σv [psi]) due to each sub-division is dependent on its thickness (h [ft]) and is given by σv = 0.8858 * h above the MMU; σv = 0.9705 * h + 0.00002 * h2 from MMU to Top Chalk; σv = 1.1254 * h within the Chalk and σv = 1.1155 * h for deeper sediments.