ALBERT

Description: The exploitation of hydrocarbon reserves in naturally fractured reservoirs composed of different types of rocks has drawn considerable attention from the fracture characterization research community because of the importance of fractures to the prediction of fluid flow. One of the most common methods for rapidly analyzing fracture features is the scanline technique, which provides an estimate of fracture density and frequency. Despite the confidence provided by the systematic use of this method, errors and uncertainties caused by sampling biases exist. The problems caused by these uncertainties can detrimentally affect the construction of a computational model due to misleading trends. This study evaluated the uncertainty caused by sampling biases in the scanline data of opening-mode fractures in outcrops of naturally fractured Aptian laminated limestone from the Crato Formation, Araripe Basin, northeastern Brazil. The Monte Carlo method was chosen to introduce random values into the sampled values, which enabled us to verify the importance of errors in the accuracy of the method of representing the fracture network. In this study, errors and uncertainties were grouped into one parameter, termed the coefficient of uncertainty, which was defined as the ratio between the uncertainties, created by the errors and artifacts introduced artificially, and the original scanline data. The propagation of errors and uncertainties in the scanline data to the coefficients of the corresponding power law were determined. This evaluation can be applied in the construction of more reliable geomechanical models using analog geological models for naturally fractured reservoirs.

Description: New biostratigraphic zonations, core descriptions, sandstone petrography, facies analysis, and seismic information are compared with published detrital and bedrock geo- and thermochronology to build a Cenozoic paleogeographic reconstruction of the Andean retroarc region of Colombia, encompassing the ancestral Central Cordillera, Middle Magdalena Valley, Eastern Cordillera, and Llanos basin. We identify uplifted sediment source areas, provenance domains, depositional environments, and thickness changes to propose a refined paleogeographic evolution of eastern Colombia. We conclude that Cenozoic evolution of the northernmost Andes includes (1) a period of contractional deformation focused in the Central Cordillera and Middle Magdalena Valley that may have started by the Late Cretaceous, although thermochronological data points to maximum shortening and exhumation during the late Paleocene; (2) a period of slower deformation rates or even tectonic quiescence during the middle Eocene; and (3) a renewed phase of contractional deformation from the late Eocene to the Pleistocene/Holocene expressed in provenance, bedrock thermochronology, and increased subsidence rates in the Llanos foreland. The sedimentary response in the Llanos foreland basin is controlled by source area proximity, exhumation and shortening rates, relationships between accommodation and sediment supply, as well as potential paleoclimate forcing. This new reconstruction changes the picture of Cenozoic basin evolution offered by previous reconstructions, providing an updated chronology of deformation, which is tied to a more precise understanding of basin evolution.

Description: In Colombia, palynology has been widely used as a biostratigraphic tool in oil exploration over the last two decades and, as a result of these efforts, an understanding of the chronostratigraphic range of thousands of palynomorph species is now available. Furthermore, because of their relative resistance to physical and chemical degradation, palynomorphs can often survive several tectonic-erosive cycles, allowing them to be used as unique tracers of long-term sedimentological changes. In this work, we use the palynological record from wells and outcrops in the Llanos foothills and the Llanos basin of Colombia to establish the intensity of Cenozoic reworking and its relationship to the tectonic evolution of the Colombian Andes. Using this approach, we were able to discern several tectonic episodes associated with the uplift of the Eastern Cordillera. We documented three periods of either faster erosion in the hinterland or more widespread areas being eroded in the catchment areas (late Paleocene–early Eocene, early to mid Miocene and Pliocene) and two periods of tectonic quiescence (mid-Eocene and mid–late Miocene). These periods correlate well with the deposition of different elements of the petroleum systems in the Llanos basin of Colombia (seals and reservoirs).

Description: Physical and geochemical characteristics of produced petroleum from the central region of the Llanos basin, Colombia, were analyzed to understand the petroleum charge history and alteration processes. Petroleum properties in the study area are the result of the complex charge history of the oil fields. The amount of gas in fluids is controlled by the migration distance from the late or, possibly, the current generation kitchen located beneath the foothill deformation zone. Gas influx decreases toward the foreland domain, as indicated by lower values of the gas–oil ratio and saturation pressure. The API gravity of the oil samples is mainly controlled by the intensity of biodegradation. Marine-sourced oils accumulated in shallow reservoirs of the foreland prior to the onset of Andean deformation. Those fluids were subjected to different levels of biodegradation, depending on the time they remained at reservoir temperatures lower than 80°C (176°F) and before being buried to their maximum depth. Geochemical data suggest multiple charge pulses from different source kitchens of two main types of source rocks, as well as different biodegradation levels. The proposed petroleum charge and alteration model allows prediction of the temperature history of a reservoir and the most likely physical properties of the petroleum at a specific location. The model can be used as an exploration tool to assess the risk of charge prior to drilling in unexplored areas of the basin.

Description: Substrate relief is a common characteristic of hard-bottom offshore banks and is associated with benthic biodiversity. Earlier studies revealed varying relief associated with offshore mesophotic communities. Correlations may exist between relief and benthic biodiversity, which in turn may be useful in determining drill sites. Such drill site determination requires obtaining an estimate of variability in relief on these banks and its associated geographic patterns. We performed fine-scale surveys of relief on 14 banks in the Gulf of Mexico to examine variation between them, geographic patterns, and possible processes influencing them: 28 Fathom, 29 Fathom, Alderdice, Bouma, Bright, Elvers, Geyer, Horseshoe, McGrail, Parker, Rankin, Rezak, Sidner, and Sonnier Banks. We used a multibeam sensor on a remotely operated vehicle, with resolution of approximately 0.5 m (2 ft). Average and standard deviation of relief were calculated at the transect, drop site, and bank levels of resolution. Sidner and McGrail Banks had the highest relief, and 29 Fathom and Sonnier had the lowest. Sidner Bank had relief averaging up to 11 m (36 ft) in height, whereas 29 Fathom Bank exhibited the lowest relief (range 1 to 2 m [3 to 7 ft]). Bright Bank and all others exhibited intermediate and variable relief at both the transect and drop site levels. Relief is not predictable on many banks because of high variability between drop sites. Some low-relief banks are predictable in their relief, lending themselves to predictions of benthic diversity and suitable drill sites. Relief decreased significantly as one moved northward in the study region. Relief exhibited a significant sinusoidal pattern from west to east. Banks with low relief occurred off Lake Calcasieu and Lafayette, Louisiana.

Description: This paper reviews the hydrocarbon-retaining properties of overpressured reservoirs and discusses the mechanisms for petroleum accumulation, preservation and loss in overpressured reservoirs, and the factors controlling hydrocarbon column heights in overpressured traps. Four types of overpressured traps (filled, underfilled, unfilled, and drained) are recognized. The diversities in petroleum-bearing properties reflect the complexities of petroleum accumulation and leakage in overpressured reservoirs. Forced top seal fracturing, frictional failure along preexisting faults, and capillary leakage are the major mechanisms for petroleum loss from overpressured reservoirs. The hydrocarbon retention capacities of overpressured traps are controlled by three groups of factors: (1) factors related to minimum horizontal stress (tectonic extension or compression, stress regimes, and basin scale and localized pressure–stress coupling); (2) factors related to the magnitudes of water-phase pressure relative to seal fracture pressure (the depth to trap crest, vertical and/or lateral overpressure transfer, mechanisms of overpressure generation); and (3) factors related to the geomechanical properties of top seals or sealing faults (the tensile strength and brittleness of the seals, the natures and structures of fault zones). Commercial petroleum accumulations may be preserved in reservoirs with pressure coefficients greater than 2.0 and pore pressure/vertical stress ratios greater than 0.9 (up to 0.97). The widely quoted assumption that the fracture pressure is 80%–90% of the overburden pressure and hydrofracturing occurs when the pore pressure reaches 85% of the overburden pressure significantly underestimates the maximum sustainable overpressures, and thus, potentially the hydrocarbon-retention capacities, especially in deeply buried traps. Lateral and/or vertical water-phase overpressure transfer from deeper successions plays an important role in the formation of unfilled and drained overpressured traps. Traps in hydrocarbon generation-induced overpressured systems have greater exploration potential than traps in disequilibrium compaction-induced overpressured systems with similar overpressure magnitude.

Description: Few previous studies have focused on solid bitumen distribution and its effect on gas reservoir quality during oil cracking. Solid bitumen is commonly found in both gas and nongas reservoirs of the Triassic Feixianguan Formation $$({\mathrm{T}}_{1}\mathrm{f})$$ in the Jiannan gas field. The $${\mathrm{T}}_{1}\mathrm{f}$$ natural gases are mainly secondary cracking gases of oil generated from source rock of the Permian Wujiaping Formation $$({\mathrm{P}}_{2}\mathrm{w})$$ , and the reservoir experienced temperatures above 150°C (302°F) for about 35 m.y. A relatively narrow range of $$\mathrm{ln}({\mathrm{C}}_{1}/{\mathrm{C}}_{2})$$ values and a wide range of $$\mathrm{ln}({\mathrm{C}}_{2}/{\mathrm{C}}_{3})$$ values and widespread solid bitumen indicate that oil cracking took place in the gas field. Low concentrations of $${\mathrm{H}}_{2}\mathrm{S}$$ (commonly 〈0.81%) suggest that high-reflectance (2.57%–3.07%) solid bitumens are pyrobitumens, which would have been mainly derived from oil cracking. Gases preferentially occupy larger pore spaces, and oil is displaced into small pores and throats by overpressure during oil cracking. In this way, pyrobitumens can reduce the magnitude of porosity in relatively tight reservoirs. Moderate-quality oil reservoirs (paleoporosity 2.2%–8.0%) are between or adjacent to high-quality oil reservoirs and are probably poor-quality or nongas reservoirs after oil cracking. Carbonate reservoirs (paleoporosity 〉8.0%) can be high-quality gas reservoirs after oil cracking and should be favorable targets for future gas exploration in the northeastern Sichuan Basin and adjacent areas.

Description: 〈span〉〈div〉ABSTRACT〈/div〉Oil API gravity predictions using published basin modeling source rock (SR) reaction kinetics have displayed poor matches between modeled output and field observations because these kinetic models do not predict increasing API gravities with increasing maturity. Ideally, an SR kinetic model should use at least two liquid components of different densities, which are generated and expelled from the SR such that the API gravities are a consequence of relative mixing. Very few available kinetic models predict APIs with reasonable trends, but those are either not adjustable to calibrate to field observations or do not consider sorption, which is a necessary process when evaluating unconventional resources. Five new kinetics data sets are presented in this paper, each representing a standard SR type, which provide geologically reasonable API gravity trends and ranges. Each kinetic model uses two liquid pseudocomponents and two vapor pseudocomponents. The relative ratios between the pseudocomponents at full kerogen transformation are average ratios available from public and proprietary kinetic data sets. The primary generation follows published activation energies, including minor shifts, which allow peak generation to occur at lower activation energies for the heavier liquid pseudocomponent and at higher energies for the lighter one. This systematic shift of activation energies thus results in a constant change in API gravity as primary generation progresses. Additional in-SR sorption and secondary cracking schemes support the primary generated API gravity trends. The default ranges of API gravity for the new five kinetic models represent observed averages but can be adjusted easily.〈/span〉

Description: 〈span〉〈div〉ABSTRACT〈/div〉The global Precambrian–Cambrian system includes an important series of hydrocarbon-bearing strata. However, because rocks of this age are typically deeply buried, few petroleum exploration breakthroughs have been made, and the presence of source rocks remains somewhat controversial. Recently, commercial condensate and gas were discovered from the deep (∼6900 m [∼22,600 ft]) Zhongshen 1C (ZS1C) exploratory well drilled in the Tazhong uplift of the Tarim Basin, China, leading to renewed interest in the development of Cambrian source rocks in the basin. On the basis of outcrop reconnaissance and sample testing from around the Tarim Basin, we show that a set of high-quality source rocks were developed within the lower Cambrian Yuertusi Formation (Є〈sub〉1〈/sub〉y), at the base of the lower Cambrian. These rocks are black shales and typically have a total organic carbon content between 2% and 6% but extending as high as 17% in selected regions. This marine sequence is 10–15 m (33–49 ft) thick in some outcrops along the margins of the basin. Seismic data indicate that these high-quality source rocks may cover an area as large as 260,000 km〈sup〉2〈/sup〉 (100,000 mi〈sup〉2〈/sup〉). Their main organic parent material was benthic multicellular algae. On the basis of high-temperature thermal simulations conducted on these source rocks, we show that the gas composition and carbon isotopes from the ZS1C well are similar to the products generated at a thermal evolution stage corresponding to a vitrinite reflectance of between 2.2% and 2.5%. Late-stage natural gas accumulated within these rocks over time. The δ〈sup〉34〈/sup〉S correlation of organic sulfur compounds in the condensate with Cambrian sulfates provides further evidence for a Є〈sub〉1〈/sub〉y source rock origin of the ZS1C condensate and gas. The Cambrian dolomites in association with a salt seal exhibit favorable geological conditions for large-scale hydrocarbon accumulation. A new set of deep exploration strata can, therefore, be developed, guiding future deep Cambrian hydrocarbon exploration in the Tarim Basin.〈/span〉

Description: As the largest active strike-slip fault zone of east Asia, the Tan-Lu fault zone is the most significant tectonic feature controlling the hydrocarbon accumulation in Bohai Bay. The Penglai 19-3 and Penglai 25-6 fields are the most typical examples among the fields found in the Tan-Lu fault zone. The structures related to the two fields are fault restraining bends produced by dextral strike-slip movement on faults within the Tan-Lu fault zone. The structures initiated at the late depositional stage of the third member of the Eocene Shahejie Formation (ca. 40 Ma) after the deposition of the main source rocks of the basin. They then experienced a main development stage during deposition of the second and first members of the Eocene Shahejie Formation and the Oligocene Dongying Formation (40–25 Ma). During the Neogene, the structures continued to be enhanced slightly because of continued strike-slip until the early to middle Pleistocene. These structures were characterized by the absence of the preponderance of the reverse separations on faults and might represent the restraining bends in a divergent wrench deformation zone. This study shows that restraining bend structures along intrabasinal strike-slip systems formed after the deposition of the source rocks are very favorable for hydrocarbon accumulation.