Investigating fault continuity associated with geologic carbon storage planning in the Illinois Basin

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. SA151-SA162 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. McBride ◽  
R. William Keach ◽  
Eugene E. Wolfe ◽  
Hannes E. Leetaru ◽  
Clayton K. Chandler ◽  
...  

Because the confinement of [Formula: see text] in a storage reservoir depends on a stratigraphically continuous set of seals to isolate the fluid in the reservoir, the detection of structural anomalies is critical for guiding any assessment of a potential subsurface carbon storage site. Employing a suite of 3D seismic attribute analyses (as opposed to relying upon a single attribute) maximizes the chances of identifying geologic anomalies or discontinuities (e.g., faults) that may affect the integrity of a seal that will confine the stored [Formula: see text] in the reservoir. The Illinois Basin, a major area for potential carbon storage, presents challenges for target assessment because geologic anomalies can be ambiguous and easily misinterpreted when using 2D seismic reflection data, or even 3D data, if only conventional display techniques are used. We procured a small 3D seismic reflection data set in the central part of the basin (Stewardson oil field) to experiment with different strategies for enhancing the appearance of discontinuities by integrating 3D seismic attribute analyses with conventional visualizations. Focusing on zones above and below the target interval of the Cambrian Mt. Simon Sandstone, we computed attribute traveltime slices (combined with vertical views) based on discontinuity computations, crossline-directed amplitude change, azimuth of the dip, shaded relief, and fault likelihood attributes. The results provided instructive examples of how discontinuities (e.g., subseismic scale faults) may be almost “invisible” on conventional displays but become detectable and mappable using an appropriate integration of 3D attributes. Strong discontinuities in underlying Precambrian basement rocks do not necessarily propagate upward into the target carbon storage interval. The origin of these discontinuities is uncertain, but we explored a possible strike-slip role that also explains the localization of a structural embayment developed in Lower Paleozoic strata above the basement discontinuities.

2021 ◽  
pp. 2250-2261
Author(s):  
Ahmed Muslim Khawaja ◽  
Jassim Muhammad Thabit

     This research is an attempt to solve the ambiguity associated with the stratigraphic setting of the main reservoir (late Cretaceous) of Mishrif Formation in Dujaila oil field. This was achieved by studying a 3D seismic reflection post-stack data for an area of ​​602.62 Km2 in Maysan Governorate, southeast of Iraq. Seismic analysis of the true amplitude reflections, time maps, and 3D depositional models showed a sufficient seismic evidence that the Mishrif Formation produces oil from a stratigraphic trap of isolated reef carbonate buildups that were grown on the shelf edge of the carbonate platform, located in the area around the productive well Dujaila-1. The low-frequency attribute illustrated that it is restricted in the area around the productive well Dujaila-1, which confirmed the existence of reef porous carbonate buildups and hydrocarbon accumulation in this region. The pay zone of the reef mound trap extends for about 7 km from the well Dujaila-1 toward the southwest side and 4 km toward the well Dujaila-2, without reaching it, which is explaining why it was dry. Therefore, this area to the south of the productive well Dujaila-1 represents a good area for low-risk drilling. Consequently, the hydrocarbon system observed in the Dujaila oil field provides a new opportunity to explore and produce oil in Mishrif Formation in other areas on the flank of the productive structures and in flat areas situated on the belt of the carbonate platform edge.


Geophysics ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. B149-B160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cedric Schmelzbach ◽  
Heinrich Horstmeyer ◽  
Christopher Juhlin

A limited 3D seismic-reflection data set was used to map fracture zones in crystalline rock for a nuclear waste disposal site study. Seismic-reflection data simultaneously recorded along two roughly perpendicular profiles (1850 and [Formula: see text] long) and with a [Formula: see text] receiver array centered at the intersection of the lines sampled a [Formula: see text] area in three dimensions. High levels of source-generated noise required a processing sequence involving surface-consistent deconvolution, which effectively increased the strength of reflected signals, and a linear [Formula: see text] filtering scheme to suppress any remaining direct [Formula: see text]-wave energy. A flexible-binning scheme significantly balanced and increased the CMP fold, but the offset and azimuth distributions remain irregular; a wide azimuth range and offsets [Formula: see text] are concentrated in the center of the survey area although long offsets [Formula: see text] are only found at the edges of the site. Three-dimensional dip moveout and 3D poststack migration were necessary to image events with conflicting dips up to about 40°. Despite the irregular acquisition geometry and the high level of source-generated noise, we obtained images rich in structural detail. Seven continuous to semicontinuous reflection events were traced through the final data volume to a maximum depth of around [Formula: see text]. Previous 2D seismic-reflection studies and borehole data indicate that fracture zones are the most likely cause of the reflections.


Geophysics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (5) ◽  
pp. WC163-WC171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Musa S. D. Manzi ◽  
Mark A. S. Gibson ◽  
Kim A. A. Hein ◽  
Nick King ◽  
Raymond J. Durrheim

As expensive as 3D seismic reflection surveys are, their high cost is justified by improved imaging of certain ore horizons in some of the Witwatersrand basin gold mines. The merged historical 3D seismic reflection data acquired for Kloof and South Deep mines forms an integral part of their Ventersdorp Contact Reef mine planning and development programme. The recent advances in 3D seismic technology have motivated the reprocessing and reinterpretation of the old data sets using the latest algorithms, therefore significantly increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of the data. In particular, the prestack time migration technique has provided better stratigraphic and structural imaging in complex faulted areas, such as the Witwatersrand basin, relative to older poststack migration methods. Interpretation tools such as seismic attributes have been used to identify a number of subtle geologic structures that have direct impact on ore resource evaluation. Other improvements include more accurate mapping of the depths, dip, and strike of the key seismic horizons and auriferous reefs, yielding a better understanding of the interrelationship between fault activity and reef distribution, and the relative chronology of tectonic events. The 3D seismic data, when integrated with underground mapping and borehole data, provide better imaging and modeling of critical major fault systems and zones of reef loss. Many faults resolve as multifault segments that bound unmined blocks leading to the discovery and delineation of resources in faulted areas of the mines.


2021 ◽  
Vol 54 (2B) ◽  
pp. 55-64
Author(s):  
Belal M. Odeh

This research includes structure interpretation of the Yamama Formation (Lower Cretaceous) and the Naokelekan Formation (Jurassic) using 2D seismic reflection data of the Tuba oil field region, Basrah, southern Iraq. The two reflectors (Yamama and Naokelekan) were defined and picked as peak and tough depending on the 2D seismic reflection interpretation process, based on the synthetic seismogram and well log data. In order to obtain structural settings, these horizons were followed over all the regions. Two-way travel-time maps, depth maps, and velocity maps have been produced for top Yamama and top Naokelekan formations. The study concluded that certain longitudinal enclosures reflect anticlines in the east and west of the study area representing Zubair and Rumaila fold confined between them a fold consist of two domes represents Tuba fold with the same trending of Zubair and Rumaila structures. The study confirmed the importance of this field as a reservoir of the accumulation of hydrocarbons.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurizio Ercoli ◽  
Emanuele Forte ◽  
Massimiliano Porreca ◽  
Ramon Carbonell ◽  
Cristina Pauselli ◽  
...  

Abstract. In seismotectonic studies, seismic reflection data are a powerful tool to unravel the complex deep architecture of active faults. Such tectonic structures are usually mapped at surface through traditional geological surveying whilst seismic reflection data may help to trace their continuation from the near-surface down to hypocentral depth. In this study, we propose the application of the seismic attributes technique, commonly used in seismic reflection exploration by oil industry, to seismotectonic research for the first time. The study area is a geologically complex region of Central Italy, recently struck by a long-lasting seismic sequence including a Mw 6.5 main-shock. A seismic reflection data-set consisting of three vintage seismic profiles, currently the only available across the epicentral zone, constitutes a singular opportunity to attempt a seismic attribute analysis. This analysis resulted in peculiar seismic signatures which generally correlate with the exposed surface geologic features, and also confirming the presence of other debated structures. These results are critical, because provide information also on the relatively deep structural setting, mapping a prominent, high amplitude regional reflector that marks the top basement, interpreted as important rheological boundary. Complex patterns of high-angle discontinuities crossing the reflectors have been also identified. These dipping fabrics are interpreted as the expression of fault zones, belonging to the active normal fault systems responsible for the seismicity of the region. This work demonstrates that seismic attribute analysis, even if used on low-quality vintage 2D data, may contribute to improve the subsurface geological interpretation of areas characterized by high seismic potential.


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