Rajesh J. Pawar¹, Edwin B. Edwards², Steven F. Coombs²
(1) Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
(2) Pacific Operators Offshore Inc, Santa Barbara, CA

Abstract: Development of a Comprehensive Geologic Model of a Complex, Mature Offshore Turbidite Field through Geostatistical Integration of Information from Multiple Sources

This paper discusses application of advanced geostatistical techniques to characterization of a geologically complex, mature oil field in order to facilitate its development. The field studied, the Carpinteria Field, is part of an offshore turbidite field. The study involves integrating information including, core, log and pressure test data from over 200 wells. The Carpinteria Field is contained within a geologically young, faulted anticlinal fold. Careful log analyses have resulted in identification of 29 Repettian productive sands in the field. Several companies have operated various parts of the field since its discovery leading to the lack of a single field-wide interpretation that integrates the extensive geologic and engineering data. Careful reconciliation of existing interpretations and reinterpretation of the legacy data have led to an integrated, consistent geologic structural model of the reservoir. Initially, the model was populated with rock properties using deterministic interpolation techniques. Validation of the geologic model with a history match exercise has not been feasible. It was thought that in the absence of a history match exercise, confidence in the geologic model could be increased through further, detailed characterization of the reservoir. The geologic and engineering data from multiple sources have been carefully integrated using advanced geostatistical techniques. Multiple realizations of rock properties' distributions are being generated using geostatistical simulation techniques. These realizations will be used to quantify the uncertainty associated with the distributions. The comprehensive geologic model and the associated uncertainty will be useful to the field operator in designing and evaluating alternate field development scenarios.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90914©2000 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana