Structural Interpretation and 3-D Modelling of Complex Fold-thrust Belt Structures: P2 Global Analogues (New Zealand and Pakistan) for 3D Modelling of Sub Andean Foldbelt Gas Fields in Bolivia

Abstract

Two case studies from complex Fold Belts are presented to illustrate the benefits of an integrated interpretation workflow. The first study in New Zealand presents a structural study conducted on a field in the Taranaki Foldbelt where thrust fault position were more tightly constrained by understanding the back-thrusts influence on the fold development and recognising extensional crossfaults along the crest. Using analogues and detailed seismic interpretation, pressure compartmentalisation and production complications were better explained with the 3D model proposed. The second case study is in the Kirthar South foldbelt, Pakistan. Detailed mapping of fold structures and analysis of structural style helped to interpret a complex 3D stress regime with multiple detachments and significant thrust stacking of the section in buried thrusts. The same integrated workflow has successfully been applied in a full field development study of several large gas fields located southwest of Santa Cruz - Bolivia in the sub Andean foldbelt.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90326 © 2018 AAPG Latin America & Caribbean Region, Optimizing Exploration and Development in Thrust Belts and Foreland Basins. Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, June 6-8, 2018