SEISMIC INTERPRETATION OF UPPER ELK POINT (GIVETIAN) CARBONATE RESERVOIRS OF WESTERN CANADA1

Abstract

AbstractThe seismic signatures of three reefs of the Upper Elk Point Subgroup (Givetian Stage) of the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin are documented and analysed on the basis of variations in seismic image of particular lithologic units, lateral amplitude and/or phase changes, structural relief and velocity‐generated relief, as rendered by the reflection data. The effects on seismic signatures of spatial geological variations resulting from such phenomena as differential compaction, reef‐focused salt dissolution, palaeotopography, lateral and vertical facies variations, regional dip, and reservoir morphology are discussed. The usefulness of seismic data in clarifying relationships between reefs and their adjacent sedimentary sections, particularly in cases where well control is sparse, is also considered. Such documentation of seismic signatures from known reefs using geophysical and geological analysis can establish criteria to enable recognition of similar buildups elsewhere.Three example reefs are presented, each typical of a particular area and environment of W. Canada. The first is from the Winnipegosis Formation of SE Saskatchewan, the second and third from the Rainbow Member and Upper Keg River Reef Member, respectively, of the Keg River Formation of NW Alberta. All three of these carbonate buildups developed in the evaporitic Elk Point Basin. However, the degree of salt encasement and subsequent dissolution varied greatly, as do the resulting seismic effects. For these three reef types, the typical elements of their seismic signatures have been compiled and are here summarized.