--> Abstract: More Effective Use of Outcrops in Deep-water Studies; #90063 (2007)

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More Effective Use of Outcrops in Deep-water Studies

 

Nilsen, Tor H.1, Roger D. Shew2, Gary S. Steffens3, Joseph R.J. Studlick4 (1) Deceased, N/A, CA (2) University of North Carolina at Wilmington/Consulting Geologist, Wilmington, NC (3) Shell International E & P Inc, Houston, TX (4) Maersk Oil America Inc, Houston, TX

 

Whether a geoscientist is focused on the basin, region, play, prospect, field, or reservoir scale in working with deep-water deposits, selection of key analog data is critical. Outcrop data can greatly assist in the construction of conceptual models using qualitative data and in reservoir performance predictions using quantitative statistics. Outcrop data provide the physical link between well-based data and seismic data.

However, as there are thousands of published papers on the hundreds of deep-water outcrops, selecting the one(s) applicable to your needs and extracting he right data can be problematic. From a recent compilation of > 100 deepwater outcrops, AAPG's Atlas of Deep-water Outcrops, we have summarized the data and developed a simplified workflow to assist the worker in identifying the “best” outcrop(s). We eliminated those outcrops that are inaccessible, difficult to travel to, little studied, poorly exposed, and/or lacking a large 2-D or some 3-D perspective.

We characterized 75 outcrops by basin setting, age, and depositional setting as key selection parameters. Additional data available for each outcrop are stacking patterns, net:gross, grain size, and references; most outcrops have detailed architectural element data as channel dimensions, bed lengths, bed thicknesses, and textures of reservoir and non-reservoir rocks. Using such criteria, one can quickly identify the best outcrops to use. These data can then be used to establish ranges and better estimates of sand thicknesses, connectivities, stacking patterns, and recovery efficiencies. Use of photos from such outcrops and preferably a visit to the outcrop by the work team can greatly assist the understanding of and create a better “picture” of the deep-water deposits being studied.

 

AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California