--> Integration of 3D seismic, Well, and Core Data to investigate channel-like features in the Grayburg Formation, Midland Basin, TX

AAPG Southwest Section Annual Convention

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Integration of 3D seismic, Well, and Core Data to investigate channel-like features in the Grayburg Formation, Midland Basin, TX

Abstract

An integrated 3D seismic survey, well log, and core data analysis provides a better understanding of paleo- depositional environments. We identified N-S oriented unique channel-like features in the northern part of the study area, whereas the orientation of these channel-like features changes to NE-SW in the southern part of the study area, in the Grayburg Formation using attribute assisted seismic interpretation. We hypothesize that these channel-like features are silt and shale rich sand channels. In our study, we perform well log correlations, from upper San Andres to Queen Formation, of ten wells located in Midland and Andrews County, Texas within the Midland Basin. We analyze an available cored well in the study area, which was cored in Grayburg Formation and Queen Formation (cored interval 4,600 feet to 5,080 feet). We plan to investigate, the lithofacies composition of the base of the Grayburg/ San Andres formations contact zone to the top of the Grayburg Formation using well log correlation and core analysis. The major basinward movement of sediment in this area is from the northeast following the low between the northwest Shelf and the western limb of the Horseshoe Atoll and then south- southeastward to the east of the Central Basin Platform. These channel-like features have a potential of for hydrocarbon accumulation and possible migration pathways, which could lead to future prospects that have yet to be investigated.