Publication Date:
2009-06-01
Description:
The use of digital outcrop models in combination with traditional sedimentological field data improves the accuracy and efficiency of qualitative and quantitative characterization of outcrop analogs for reservoir modeling purposes. In this article, we apply an innovative methodology of outcrop characterization to an Upper Triassic fluvial-dominated system, exposed in extensive outcrops with limited three-dimensional (3-D) exposure. Qualitative analysis of the study outcrop allows the subdivision of the formation into three architectural intervals. Each interval can be further subdivided into subintervals on the basis of architectural style. This subdivision provides information on reservoir compartmentalization, which is used for zonation of the geocellular model. Qualitative analysis also provides valuable information on reservoir facies distribution. A new technique termed “perpendicular projection plane” is presented as a tool for quantitative analysis of outcrops with reduced 3-D exposure. This technique improves the accuracy of apparent width measurements of geobodies exposed in outcrops, which are subparallel to paleoflow. The quantitative analysis provides a detailed data set of geobody dimensions to use as conditioning data for analog reservoir models. Statistical analysis of the dimensions provides empirical relationships to apply in subsurface analog systems to reduce uncertainty related to stochastic modeling approaches. Ivan Fabuel-Perez obtained his B.Sc. in geology (Universidad de Zaragoza) in 2003 and his M.Sc. in petroleum geosciences (University of Manchester) in 2004. He is about to finish his Ph.D. (University of Manchester) in 3-D reservoir modeling of outcrop analogs and is currently working for ExxonMobil Exploration Company in Leatherhead. His areas of research include sedimentology of continental deposits, digital outcrop modeling, and reservoir characterization. David Hodgetts is a lecturer in reservoir modeling and petroleum geology at the University of Manchester, where he leads the research in digital outcrop modeling and its application to reservoir characterization. He obtained his B.Sc. in geology (Durham) in 1991, his M.Sc. in computing in earth sciences (Keele) in 1992, and his Ph.D. in numerical modeling of continental lithospheric deformation (Keele) in 1995. Jonathan Redfern obtained his B.Sc. from Chelsea College, London, and his Ph.D. from Bristol University. He subsequently joined Fina, working in the North Sea as an exploration geologist, and then internationally in Singapore, Vietnam, and Libya. He later moved to Amerada Hess in International New Ventures as the chief geologist in their Indonesia Office. He is the director of the Petroleum Geoscience M.Sc. Program at the University of Manchester and leads the North Africa Research Group, which focuses on regional studies across the region, funded by a group of leading oil companies. His main research areas are basin studies, petroleum systems, and sedimentology (fluvial, glaciogenic, and deep water).
Print ISSN:
0149-1423
Electronic ISSN:
1943-2674
Topics:
Geosciences
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