Vanon K. Sun Chee Fore¹, Thomas A. Ryer², Nodar Siradze³, Reginal Spiller¹
(1) Frontera Resources Corporation, Houston, TX
(2) Schlumberger, Houston, TX
(3) Frontera Eastern Georgia Corporation, T'bilisi, Georgia

Abstract: Distinguishing Miocene and Pliocene reservoir facies in Block 12, Western Kura Basin, Republic of Georgia, using outcrop and subsurface data

Block 12 is located in the Western Kura Basin of eastern Georgia and covers 5,300 km2. Approximately 5,000 km of 2-D seismic were acquired and 600 wells were drilled within the block by the Department of Georgian Oil. Their efforts led to the discovery of five fields producing from Mio-Pliocene reservoirs. Current work within the block is focused on revitalizing existing fields and on finding new reserves in undrilled structures.

Neogene strata are well exposed in a nearly continuous belt along the Georgia-Azerbaijan border. Outcrop studies have provided information regarding the spatial distribution of reservoir rock within the basin. This information was integrated with subsurface data to produce a stratigraphic-depositional model.

Middle Miocene deposition of a thick section of marine shale preceded eastward regression of the wave-dominated shoreline during Late Miocene time. Wave energy incident on the shoreline was initially high, resulting in the deposition of thick shoreface successions, but diminished over time, such that the thickest, coarsest sediments occur toward the west. The Upper Miocene shoreline sands constitute an important exploration target over much of the block owing to their excellent lateral continuity and good reservoir properties. The overlying Upper Miocene Eldari Formation includes both low-wave-energy shoreline deposits and continental strata; the Upper Miocene-Pliocene Shiraki Formation consists of continental strata. Both formations are mud-rich. Fluvial channel belts constitute the reservoirs in these formations and all of the established production in the block is from fluvial facies. Channel belts, although isolated, are considered to be potentially prolific targets.

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