ALBERT

Description: Analysis of subsurface pressure data from Taranaki Basin using direct (e.g., repeat formation tester) and indirect measurements (drilling parameters and wireline log data such as sonic and resistivity) indicates the presence of three pressure zones: a near-hydrostatic regime (zone A) that extends across the entire basin and to varying depths; an underlying overpressured regime (zone B), with pressures approximately 1100 psi (7.584 MPa) above hydrostatic, that extends throughout the Manaia graben and north along the eastern basin margin at depths of 1900 to 4100 m (6234-13,451 ft); and a third regime (zone C), with approximately 2100 psi (14.479 MPa) overpressure, that directly underlies zone A and zone B in different parts of the basin (although well penetrations are limited). The primary cause of overpressure is interpreted to be disequilibrium compaction preserved in upper Eocene and Oligocene marine shales. In parts of the basin, hydrocarbon generation (and in particular cracking to gas at high maturities) is interpreted to contribute to overpressures. The overpressures drain laterally and vertically into permeable units. Intervening transition zones (seals) comprise lithologic boundaries, diagenetic zones, and fault planes. Oligocene carbonates, although commonly thin, provide an effective barrier to vertical hydraulic communication over much of the basin. The Manaia graben is a partially closed system, with overpressures retained by a complex combination of a top shale seal overlying a regional sequence boundary, lithologic barriers within fault compartments, fault planes, and subcropping sequences; episodic fault breach enables vertical transfer of fluids from zone B to zone A in a dynamic fault valve process. To date, all oil reserves have been found in zone A, a large proportion of gas-condensate reserves are within zone B, and no commercial reserves have been established within zone C. The spatial definition of these zones and the appropriate pressure regime is important for well design, drilling safety, determining hydrocarbon column heights and gas expansion factors, and for exploration migration analysis. Regional analysis of pressure regimes can identify subsurface barriers and seals. Faults, in particular, are key elements in fluid migration and the focusing of liquids at abrupt pressure transitions. The strength of fault planes and diagenetic zones is the likely control on dynamic fluid release. Zone C has been very lightly explored and may represent a potential for large dry-gas accumulations; the zone may be sealed by a diagenetic zone crosscutting lithologic boundaries (conventional mapping horizons).