Use of novel high-resolution 3D marine seismic technology to evaluate Quaternary fluvial valley development and geologic controls on shallow gas distribution, inner shelf, Gulf of Mexico

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. SC35-SC49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy A. Meckel ◽  
Francis J. Mulcahy

The first deployment of the P-Cable™ high-resolution 3D (HR3D) seismic acquisition system in the Gulf of Mexico has provided unprecedented resolution of depositional, architectural, and structural features related to relative sea-level change recorded in the Quaternary stratigraphy. These details are typically beyond conventional 3D seismic resolution and/or excluded from commercial surveys, which are generally optimized for deeper targets. Such HR3D data are valuable for detailed studies of reservoir analogs, sediment delivery systems, fluid-migration systems, and geotechnical hazard assessment (i.e., drilling and infrastructure). The HR3D survey ([Formula: see text]) collected on the inner shelf ([Formula: see text] water depth) offshore San Luis Pass, Texas, imaged the upper 500 m of stratigraphy using peak frequency of 150 Hz and [Formula: see text] bin size. These data provided an exceptionally well-imaged example of shallow subsurface depositional system and stratigraphic architecture development during a lowstand period. The system evolved from a meandering channel with isolated point-bar deposits to a transgressive estuary characterized by dendritic erosional features that were eventually flooded. In addition, HR3D data have identified a previously unidentified seismically discontinuous zone interpreted to be a gas chimney system emanating from a tested (drilled) nonproductive, three-way structure in the lower Miocene (1.5 km depth). Within the shallowest intervals ([Formula: see text]) and at the top of the chimney zone, seismic attribute analysis revealed several high-amplitude anomalies up to [Formula: see text]. The anomalies were interpreted as reaccumulated thermogenic gas, and their distribution conforms to the stratigraphy and structure of the Quaternary interval, in that they occupy local fault-bounded footwall highs within remnant coarser-grained interfluvial zones, which are overlain by finer grained, transgressive deposits.

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 511 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.C. Lang ◽  
N. Ceglar ◽  
S. Forder ◽  
G. Spencer ◽  
J. Kassan

Gas exploration and reservoir development in the Baryulah area, Cooper Basin, southwest Queensland has focussed on the fluvial-lacustrine, Permian coal-bearing Patchawarra Formation, Murteree Shale, Epsilon and Toolachee Formations. Geological interpretation of drilling and 3D seismic data has benefitted from integration of sequence stratigraphic concepts with the judicious use of reservoir analogues and seismic attribute mapping. Initially, a coherent regional chronostratigraphic framework was established, based on broad palynological zonations, and correlating extensive lacustrine flooding surfaces and unconformities, tied to 3D seismic reflectors. This framework was subdivided by using local key surfaces identified on wireline logs (usually high-gamma shaly intervals overlying coals), resulting in recognition of numerous high-resolution genetic units. Wireline log character, calibrated by cores from analogous fields around the Cooper Basin and supported by analogue studies, forms the basis for a logfacies scheme that recognises meandering fluvial channels, crevasse splays, floodplain/basin, and peat swamps/mires. Fluvial stacking patterns (aggradational, retrogradational or progradational), produced by the ratio of sediment supply to accommodation within each genetic unit, were used to help determine depositional systems tracts (alluvial lowstand, transgressive, or highstand) and likely reservoir connectivity. Log signature maps for genetic intervals form the basis of palaeogeographic mapping. Modern and ancient depositional analogues were used to constrain likely facies distribution and fluvial channel belt widths. Syndepositional structural features, net-to-gross trends, and seismic attribute mapping are used to guide the scale, distribution and orientation of potential reservoir trends. When used in conjunction with structural and production data, the palaeogeographic maps help develop stratigraphic trap play concepts, providing a predictive tool for locating exploration or appraisal drilling opportunities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 194 ◽  
pp. 05021
Author(s):  
QI Yu-lin ◽  
ZHOU Yue

Fan deposits in the Nantun formation in Beier depression have been drilled in the past two decades. It’s difficult to identify and describe subtle traps formed by fans by seismic interpretation. By using a combination of seismic interpretation techniques on the workstation, most of these traps can be identified. By high resolution seismic synthesis records, it is clear to know that the location of the fan body on the seismic profile, and its property. Because of multi-layered and uneven thickness, it is impossible to delineate fan delta features in Nantun formation by one single seismic attribute, Multi-attribute analysis can extend resolution of the seismic data, improve visualization of layer internal composition, see your sand bodies delineation more clearly. Seismic inversion using high resolution log curves and borehole data as a guide can get reservoir thickness. 3d visualization of automatic tracking results makes the reservoir more intuitive. Based on the stratum seismic interpretation, using seismic attribute analysis can depict the shape of the fan, using wave impedance inversion can predict the thickness of the fan, and using automatic tracking technology can display the whole fan.


2021 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 55-66
Author(s):  
Oanh Thi Tran ◽  
Anh Ngoc Le ◽  
Khanh Duy Pham ◽  
Ngan Thi Bui ◽  
Ngoc Bao Pham ◽  
...  

In this paper, the seismic attribute analysis methods in combination with well data were used to predict the distribution of the D sequence. A seismic attribute is any measurement of seismic data that enhances the visibility or quantification of geological elements or rock properties to determine the structure or depositional environment of sediment. The authors have selected the basic attributes, which are related to amplitude and frequency such as RAI, RMS, ARC length, Specdecom, Sweetness attribute. The attributes reflect quite accurately the changes in lithology, sedimentary facies, etc. from which will be possible to predict the distribution of the sand bodies. There are 02 large reservoirs discovered in the D sequence: the main reservoirs (D0 -D3) sands and minor reservoirs (D4 - D10). The study results show that the main reservoirs from D0 to D3 are widely distributed in the study area, especially in the western block and near the Con Son swell (except A well due to erosion process). Meanwhile, the reservoirs from D4 to D10 are of discontinuous distributions. Zones of high amplitude anomalies that are likely related to volcanic sediments in the study area are also delineated. The seismic attribute analysis reveals the possible distribution of high potential sand bodies (D2-D3) in the south-western and north-eastern parts that need further study.


Author(s):  
D. F. Blake ◽  
L. F. Allard ◽  
D. R. Peacor

Echinodermata is a phylum of marine invertebrates which has been extant since Cambrian time (c.a. 500 m.y. before the present). Modern examples of echinoderms include sea urchins, sea stars, and sea lilies (crinoids). The endoskeletons of echinoderms are composed of plates or ossicles (Fig. 1) which are with few exceptions, porous, single crystals of high-magnesian calcite. Despite their single crystal nature, fracture surfaces do not exhibit the near-perfect {10.4} cleavage characteristic of inorganic calcite. This paradoxical mix of biogenic and inorganic features has prompted much recent work on echinoderm skeletal crystallography. Furthermore, fossil echinoderm hard parts comprise a volumetrically significant portion of some marine limestones sequences. The ultrastructural and microchemical characterization of modern skeletal material should lend insight into: 1). The nature of the biogenic processes involved, for example, the relationship of Mg heterogeneity to morphological and structural features in modern echinoderm material, and 2). The nature of the diagenetic changes undergone by their ancient, fossilized counterparts. In this study, high resolution TEM (HRTEM), high voltage TEM (HVTEM), and STEM microanalysis are used to characterize tha ultrastructural and microchemical composition of skeletal elements of the modern crinoid Neocrinus blakei.


2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Srinivasa Rao Narhari ◽  
Nikhil Banik ◽  
Sunil Kumar Singh ◽  
Talal Fahad Al-Adwani

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