--> Abstract: On the Relationship Between Submarine Channel Sinuosity and Symmetry, by David R. Pyles; #90078 (2008)

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On the Relationship Between Submarine Channel Sinuosity and Symmetry

David R. Pyles
Chevron Center of Research Excellence, Department of Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO

Outcrop studies have documented facies and architectural asymmetry in submarine channels. Architectural and facies asymmetry has been interpreted to reflect sinuosity. Symmetric channels are interpreted to reflect low sinuosity and asymmetric channels are interpreted to reflect high sinuosity. To date, a quantitative method for relating these parameters has not been proposed. This study analyzes 30 channels from eight formations to test this relationship.

Seven statistical relationships are identified that relate sinuosity and asymmetry. 1) There is a statistical correlation between facies and architectural asymmetry. The cross-sectional shape of a channel is related to facies distributions in the channel. 2) Asymmetric channels are more common than symmetric channels. 3) Three-dimensional exposures of sinuous channels reveal that a single channel can have varying degrees of architectural and facies asymmetry, depending on the location of a given cross section in a channel bend. 4) There is a statistical relationship between sinuosity and asymmetry. Channels with higher sinuosity have greater variance in asymmetry than relatively straight channels. 5) Even relatively straight channels with sinuosities as low as 1.05 display facies and architectural asymmetry. Asymmetry is not limited to highly sinuous channels. 6) Channels that erode into heterolithic strata have more facies and architectural asymmetry than channels that cut into sandstone. Substrate may be a first-order control on sinuosity. 7) Strata that fill channels with higher asymmetry are more amalgamated than that in symmetric channels. Reservoirs in highly sinuous, highly asymmetric channels have greater heterogeneity than straighter channels.

These relationships relate plan view channel patterns to internal facies and architecture of slope channel reservoirs.

 

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