--> Abstract: Sequence Stratigraphy 25 Years Down the Road: Technology Dependencies, Current Practices and Evolving Methods for Prediction of Petroleum Systems, by Ole J. Martinsen; #90101 (2010)

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Sequence Stratigraphy 25 Years Down the Road: Technology Dependencies, Current Practices and Evolving Methods for Prediction of Petroleum Systems

Ole J. Martinsen
Statoil Hydro Research, Bergen, Norway

Since its inception in the 1980s, sequence stratigraphy has manifested itself as an extremely useful tool for prediction of lithology and basin fill in both clastic and carbonate settings. While most uses in the petroleum industry have been biased towards reservoir prediction, the method is equally powerful in predicting source and seal lithology.

Sequence stratigraphy grew out of seismic stratigraphy, which developed in the 1970s as a response to the technological breakthrough of high-resolution, long 2D seismic lines on continental margins, in which basin fill sequences could be viewed with unprecedented clarity. The weakness of the 2D seismic stratigraphy approach was a function of lack of technology and insight to view the continental margin sequences in 3D. That came later, particularly in the 1990s, with the advent of high-resolution 3D seismic.

In the meanwhile, geologists with sedimentary and geomorphic insight had realized that sequences varied both in time and space and that a 2D view of them was insufficient to understand the chronology of most basin filling sequences. This led to a flurry of studies of modern and ancient sedimentary systems to populate the sequence frameworks with process, lithological and architectural data. New technology, such as satellite/remote sensing data and digital capture of outcrop data has allowed for data capture, idea development and breakthroughs of under¬standing of sedimentary systems which could not have been accomplished with a simple qualitative approach.

While seismic stratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy can be classified respectively as second and third generation methods of understanding basin fill (facies analysis being first order), a fourth generation method is rapidly developing. This method involves complete Source-to-Sink (S2S) analysis of sedimentary systems and is carried forward by new technology and tools that allow for quantitative assessment of geomorphic parameters, paleo-climate, drainage, bypass and depositional areas and sediment supply in a linked way. In addition to the deposits and the depositional area, which has been the focus of classic sequence stratigraphy, S2S includes an analysis of the sediment origin area, its development, processes and sediment routing. This approach, which truly is an extension of Earth Systems Modelling, provides the basin analyst with a much more complete view of a basin’s development in time and space and will form the basis for future basin analysis techniques. Such an approach has potentially major impact on the assessment and risking of petroleum systems, but is clearly challenging when performed on ancient systems as preservation of system components is often inversely proportional to age.

Thus, in summary, trough four generations of development of methods for understanding and predicting basin fill, technology development has played a major role in breakthrough of understanding. In consequence, geologists should be humble towards how breakthroughs are made and continuously look for technology in other fields in science that will let us make the next new step forward.

 

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90101 © 2010 AAPG Foundation Distinguished Lecturer Series 2009-2010