Outcrop Reservoir Modelling of Shallow Marine Deltaic Systems from the Ferron FM, USA and the Roda Sandstone, Spain

Enge, Havard D.¹, Beate L. S. Leren¹, Simon Buckley², John Howell², Åsmund Vassel², Allard W. Martinius³ (1) University of Bergen, Norway, Bergen, Norway (2) University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway (3) Statoil Research Centre, Trondheim, Norway

Capturing geological outcrops in reservoir modelling software has become an established form of analog study. However, the accurate capture and representation of data remains a key challenge. Within clastic shallow marine systems outcrop reservoir models can be used to address the key issues that control fluid flow in the subsurface. These include both small and large scale facies architecture and accommodation setting.

Laser scanning (Lidar), combined with traditional field techniques have been used to collect high resolution data sets from two well exposed shallow marine systems. The lower part of the Turonian Ferron Formation crops out in Ivey Creek, Utah, USA and is interpreted as a highstand, river dominated delta, in which 20+ lobes can be mapped. These lobes are comprised of seaward dipping clinoforms and are cut by distributory channels. Syn-sedimentary growth fault structures are common.The Eocene Roda Sandstone crops-out in the Spanish Pyrenees and represents a forced regressive wave- and tide influenced Gilbert type delta. The Roda is also comprised of a series of lobes with steeply dipping clinoforms. Individual lobes are separated by cemented hardgrounds.

A fully integrated work-flow, from outcrop selection, through data collection to virtual outcrop and flow simulated geocellular model is presented. Models have been built on a variety of scales to capture the range of heterogeneity and to illustrate the contrasting aspects of the deltaic systems. Results illustrate the role of dipping clinoform surfaces on influencing simulated production and the importance of the identification of key surfaces at all scales.