3D seismic attributes and well-log facies analysis for prospect identification and evaluation: Interpreted palaeoshoreline implications, Weirman Field, Kansas, USA

Abstract

Abstract We present a workflow integrating post-stack seismic attributes and well-log facies analysis in order to understand the development history and depositional setting of the Weirman Field in central Kansas, and to propose a fresh prospect-evaluation approach for our study area. This study successfully addresses compartmentalisation due to highly variable lithofacies by analysing geophysical well-logs, lithofacies modelling, and 3D seismic attributes including time thickness, amplitude, and structural time maps. In the light of some discouraging drilling results at Weirman Field, we recommend a revised approach to prospect evaluation, based upon a newly interpreted palaeodepositional setting, to predict the distribution of clean sand facies, using a combination of seismic attribute signatures and structural closure maps. In support of our interpretation, we compare the proposed palaeodepositional setting with a modern analogue of a transitional coastal to shallow marine depositional environment. The dimensions and spatial relationships of the interpreted geo-bodies are in conformity with the modern shoreline analogues of a barrier beach or strandplain adjacent to an estuary. The lithofacies clustering was calibrated to a lithostratigraphic column, which was constructed based on drilling-cuttings of Wanda Judeen No. 1. This calibration was upheld against correlation with well-logs for other wells.