Print this pageDelineating Stratigraphic Complexity
by Integration of 3D Seismic Visualization and
Geochemistry, Pressure, Paleontological, and Well Log Data
Jeff Chen1, David Petro1, George Laguros1, Rodrigo Bastidas1, and Janell Edman2
1Marathon Oil Corporation, 5555 San Felipe Rd., Houston, Texas 77056
28037 E. Jefferson Ave., Denver, Colorado 80237
ABSTRACT
Deepwater channel, levee, overbank, and lobe assemblages of turbidite origin are complex depositional systems with significant
facies variation. This can result in a high degree of reservoir compartmentalization within relatively short distances. In the Gulf of Mexico,
we often find that our excitement in discovering high quality reservoir sand is diluted by the risk of reservoir compartmentalization. This lack
of connectivity reduces recoverable resource and rate of return, and complicates development scenarios. Failure to recognize the degree of compartmentalization
can result in overestimation of total recoverable resources and adversely impact the economic viability of the development projects. Therefore, the
better the reservoir complexity can be assessed, the fewer surprises will have to be dealt with during field development processes. In this paper,
the integration of 3D seismic visualization, wireline and logging-while-drilling (LWD) data, modular formation dynamics tester (MDT) pressure data, paleontological
data, and comprehensive geochemical analyses is employed to understand the depositional processes, construct the stratigraphic framework and build a reservoir
model of the study area. Seismic and well data are applied to define the stratigraphic bounding surfaces and propose secondary (internal) subsequences,
while paleontological data are used as high level biostratigraphic control points. Pressure and geochemical analyses are then utilized to refine
the detailed reservoir compartments. The results allow generation of field development scenarios and well completion schemes based on the characteristics
of each individual reservoir compartment.
Chen, J., D. Petro, G. Laguros, R. Bastidas, and J. Edman, 2009, Delineating stratigraphic complexity by integration of 3D seismic
visualization and geochemistry, pressure, paleontological, and well log data: Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 59,
p. 201-222.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90093 © 2009 GCAGS 59th Annual Meeting, Shreveport, Louisiana