Seismic interpretation and structural modelling of Kupe field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand

Abstract

Kupe field is a gas condensate field located in the southern Taranaki Basin. In the present study, 3D seismic and well log data sets were used to interpret and model Kupe structures. The primary objective of the study was to develop a structural model for the complete reservoir package in the Kupe field which composes of three horizons the North Cape, Farewell and Otaraoa formations. The three horizons were interpreted using time section and then converted into depth domain using the velocity model. The results demonstrate the successful establishment of the structural model to incorporate fault framework model, structural mechanics and geometric distributions of the structural features in the complex Southern Inversion Zone of Taranaki Basin. The reservoir package experienced extensional and contractional regimes during Late Cretaceous to Eocene and Eocene to Miocene epoch, respectively; as a consequence, both normal and reverse styles of faulting are observed. Normal faulting is more obvious in the sections taken from the northern part of the seismic cube while reverse faulting is more prominent in southern parts of the seismic cube. Reservoir package is compartmentalized by moderate- to high-angle (35°–87°) dip slip faults with NE–SW orientation. The proposed 3D structural model provides a unique combination of subseismic interpretations and a geostatistical modelling approach for understanding major fault mechanism, and it provides a significant platform for designing future drilling campaigns for Kupe field’s development.