Point McIntyre Field, Alaska: An Integrated Reservoir Study

Deborah F. Kosich, Kevin J. Frank, and Robert B. Hunter

The geologic model of the Kuparuk Formation at Point McIntyre Field is the result of an integrated reservoir study. Data from 7000 feet of evenly distributed cores are the foundation for a lithofacies model, chrono- stratigraphic correlations, 2-D and 3-D mapping, and the geostatistical distribution of reservoir parameters. The resulting cellular model provides improved input to the simulator model used for reservoir management.

The depositional lithofacies model is divided into 14 categories. These range from bioturbated, very fine-grained sandstone to conglomerates with abundant lithic mudstone clasts. Depositional lithofacies control reservoir quality, with the highest potential in massive or trough cross-bedded sandstones. The reservoir sandstones represent the marine portion of a fan-delta. No shales thicker than one inch are preserved within the Kuparuk Formation in the Point McIntyre cores.

Accurate correlation and mapping of chronostratigraphic surfaces is essential to preserve porosity and permeability trends within the model. Sequence stratigraphic correlations show a complex depositional history and define twenty-one mappable zones with five major truncation surfaces. New zonal mapping methodologies honor the chronostratigraphy. Isochore maps contain strong depositional trends that influence reservoir management.

A 3-D cellular model captures onlap and truncation relationships within the zones, preserving internal geometries. Lithofacies distributed within the 3-D model form a template tied to core and well control. The lithofacies template guides the geostatistical distribution of reservoir parameters.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California