Detailed Stratigraphic Architecture of the Mesaverde Group Determined from Principle-Component Analysis of 3d Seismic Data, Mamm Creek Field, Piceance Basin, Northwest Colorado

Stephen P. Cumella¹ and Jay Scheevel^2
1Bill Barrett Corp., Denver, CO
²Scheevel Geo Technologies, Grand Junction, CO

Windowed principle-component analysis (PCA) of seismic data can be used to delineate significant changes in seismic reflection character. PCA is a method that statistically derives the attributes (components) of the seismic waveform which contribute to the most significant variations of the signal. These components are used to break the signal into seismic classes that are able to delineate geologically significant surfaces and features. This method reveals much of the stratigraphic detail of the Mesaverde in Mamm Creek Field of the Piceance Basin. Stacking patterns of both marine and fluvial deposits in the Mesaverde Group indicate varying rates of accommodation. Shorelines prograde and fluvial channels amalgamate during periods of low accommodation. Shorelines transgress or aggrade and fluvial channels form isolated sand bodies in low net-to-gross intervals during periods of high accommodation. The different stacking patterns of fluvial sandstones can be identified on the PCA-classified seismic data. Amalgamated channel intervals have numerous discordant internal surfaces. Intervals with isolated fluvial channel sandstones have more regular layering and contain pods with different PCA-classes that appear to represent preserved individual meanderbelts.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90078©2008 AAPG Annual Convention, San Antonio, Texas