--> Abstract: Sequence Stratigraphy and Reservoir Characterization of the Glauconitic Sandstone Member, Mannville Group, Southern Alberta Basin, by Maria A. Portela, Piret Plink-Björklund, and David C. Jennette; #90078 (2008)

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Sequence Stratigraphy and Reservoir Characterization of the Glauconitic Sandstone Member, Mannville Group, Southern Alberta Basin

Maria A. Portela1, Piret Plink-Björklund1, and David C. Jennette2
1Geology and Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO
2Apache Corporation, Houston, TX

The Lower Cretaceous Glauconitic Sandstone Member of the Mannville Group is a well-established oil and gas producer in the Alberta Basin. Recent exploration efforts in the southern part of the basin have intensified the interest in understanding the reservoir properties and high-resolution sequence stratigraphy of this system.

A unique distribution of hydrocarbons within the Glauconitic Sandstone is observed in the study area. A large oil accumulation exists in the updip northeastern corner of the area whereas the rest of the downdip play is dominated by gas and condensate. In order to understand the trap configuration and associated hydrocarbon distribution, a dataset comprised of cores, 3D seismic and well log data is used to establish a sequence stratigraphic framework for the Glauconitic Member, as well as to determine the relationship between lithofacies and reservoir quality.

Extensive mapping suggests that stratigraphic trapping exerts a strong control on the observed hydrocarbon distribution. Two prevailing styles of incised systems are observed. The oil-bearing channels in the northeastern part of the area have depths of incision between 10 and 22 meters, are dominated by a fluvial facies association, and exhibit high reservoir quality. The lesser-incised channels, with depths of incision between 1 and 5 meters, are associated with tidally influenced migrating channels and fluvial point bar facies with margin/overbank facies. Collectively, this facies association has lower reservoir quality. Observations suggest the two channel styles could be interpreted as multiple incision-and-fill episodes within a complex incised valley fill; or alternatively as parts of a simple valley fill, separated by tidal erosion surfaces.

 

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