Publication Date:
2010-10-01
Description:
Benthic sediment facies maps were constructed for a series of large, isolated carbonate platforms, including (1) Great and Little Bahamas Banks; (2) Caicos Platform, British West Indies; (3) Chinchorro Bank, Mexico; (4) Glovers Reef, Belize; (5) south Cocos (Keeling) atoll, Indian Ocean; and (6) Bu Tini shoal, Persian Gulf. Facies maps were generated by applying statistics-based image analysis algorithms, called unsupervised classifications, to Landsat 7 multispectral satellite data. Classification results were subsequently validated with sediment data to create geologic facies maps. Landsat-derived facies maps demonstrate 82–85% agreement when compared to sediment data. At the platform scale, Landsat-derived facies maps accurately capture the principal depositional facies observed on each platform and are in general agreement with published maps generated through conventional mapping techniques. Examination at more detailed scales reveals that Landsat-derived maps differ from conventional maps with respect to the spatial dimensions and shapes of facies bodies. Landsat-derived maps show a level of complexity and heterogeneity that is more realistic than shown in previously published maps, which are characterized by broad, homogeneous facies belts. These results suggest that application of statistical algorithms to Landsat data, coupled with sediment data, provides a cost- and time-efficient method for quantitatively mapping spatial variability of depositional facies in modern carbonate environments. Landsat-derived facies maps, like the ones presented here, provide depositional analogs for subsurface carbonate reservoirs as well as a global data set for extracting predictive relationships between the occurrence and distribution of carbonate sediments that can aid in global hydrocarbon exploration and production. Stephen Kaczmarek is a senior research geoscientist at ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company. He earned his B.S. degree (2000) and Ph.D. (2005) from Michigan State University. His research interests focus on the interaction between carbonate depositional processes and diagenesis. Melissa Hicks earned her B.S. degree from Juniata College (1999) and her M.S. degree (2001) and Ph.D. (2006) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Melissa is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Syracuse University. Her research interests include carbonate sedimentology, reef paleoecology, and lacustrine systems. Shawn Fullmer is a geologist at ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company. He received his B.S. degree (2003) from the University of Washington and M.S. degree (2005) from the University of Texas at Austin. His research interests range from carbonate sedimentology and sequence stratigraphy to carbonate diagenesis and pore systems. Kelley Steffen received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh and her M.S. degree from the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. She joined ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company in 2005 where she works as a research geologist. Her interests are carbonate sedimentology and modern processes. Steve Bachtel is a geologist in the carbonate stratigraphy research group at Chevron Exploration Technology Company. He specializes in carbonate reservoir studies that integrate seismic, well-log, and core data. His research interests include modern environments, seismic stratigraphy, and outcrop studies to assist the construction of more robust geologic models in carbonate reservoirs.
Print ISSN:
0149-1423
Electronic ISSN:
1943-2674
Topics:
Geosciences
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