Paul Weimer¹, Andrew Pulham², Roger Slatt³
(1) Univ of Colorado, Boulder, CO
(2) University of Colorado
(3) Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO

Abstract: The role of seismic stratigraphy in developing exploration and development models for turbidite systems: a 25 year retrospective

The interpretation of seismic data (shallow penetration, multifold 2-D and 3-D) has been essential to developing accurate exploration and development models for turbidite systems. Today, multiple data sets (cores, wireline logs, borehole images, outcrop analogs, reservoir simulation, side scan systems of modern fans) are integrated with seismic data to develop more robust reservoir models.

Shallow penetration and multifold seismic allows for the imaging of basic architectural elements: channels and their fill, overbank, lobes (sheets), slides, and mass transport complexes. Interpretation of these kinds of data led to early models for fan systems. The publication of AAPG Memoir 26 in 1977 led to three important concepts: eustasy occurring throughout the geologic record on a frequency of 1 ?3 Ma, highstand versus lowstand sedimentation and the timing of deep-water sedimentation, and mounded seismic facies being sand-prone in deep water systems. Subsequent work in the 1980’s with 2-D seismic data modified sequence stratigraphic models to include the many variables in controlling the deposition of turbidite systems: tectonic controls (regional controls, basinal controls), nature of underlying highstand shoreline, sediment volume, grain size, and nature of the delivery system.

The routine use of 3-D seismic have now generated considerably more accurate imaging of architectural elements, similar in scale to those images from sea-floor images. Processes now easily imaged include bypass and fill-and spill processes in intraslope basins, and highly sinuous channels. The use of 3-D seismic, when integrated with AVO, has led to far greater exploration successes in deep-water, as well as the ability to fast track developments. The imaging capabilities of 2-D and 3-D seismic have forced workers to reexamine outcrops for a better understanding of regional processes, dimensions, and internal (sub-seismic) architecture of elements.

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