A case study of 3D geomodelling of Frontier Formation Second Wall Creek Sand, Teapot Dome, Wyoming, USA

Abstract

The research focuses on 3D seismic geomodelling of Cretaceous shoreface reservoir sands of the Frontier formation, Teapot Dome, Wyoming, USA. 3D geomodelling helps in understanding the facies distribution (lateral and vertical) of Frontier Formation Second Wall Creek (F2WC). We have adopted an integration of petrophysical analysis, seismic interpretation and geostatistical evaluations to map the facies. In geostatistical modelling the data distribution of the discrete reservoir properties has been performed using the sequential indicator simulation (SIS) while the continuous data modeled with the help of Sequential Gaussian Simulation (SGS). Total 32 wells have been used in this study along with a synthetic seismogram generation for the time-domain correlation of well-tops with the seismic reflections using wells (67–1-TpX-10 and 25–1-X-14). The study area is a structurally deformed asymmetrical doubly plunging dome of the lower Cretaceous to Eocene, Laramide deformation with EW trending faults that can be easily identified by modelling techniques mentioned. In this study, two blind wells are also used to verify the model, the horizons are also verified using the TDR relation provided for 67–1-TpX-10. Velocity modelling also helped in the verification of correct depth of each formation with the well tops. F2WC is attributed with average permeability ranging between 0 and 100 mD, average porosity is 18%, the average water saturation is 30%. The results suggest that the southern part of Teapot Dome is more prolific due to better spatial distribution of porosity, permeability and less water saturation within the reservoir model.