The application of physical measurements to constrain reservoir-scale sequence stratigraphic models

Abstract

Abstract Sequence and parasequence boundaries are characterized by lateral extents that are typically greater than development well spacings and frequently more extensive than individual oil and gas fields. These surfaces result from shifts of facies belts that generate laterally extensive changes over widespread areas. Commonly only facies interpretations of lithological signatures (e.g. hardgrounds) and biostratigraphic signatures (e.g. faunal changes) are used to identify these boundaries in both surface outcrops and subsurface reservoirs. However, a wide variety of physical measurements may also be made, especially in the subsurface, that may be used as additional criteria to recognize surfaces with sequence stratigraphic significance and hence to infer reservoir architectures. Palaeomagnetic reversal stratigraphies may assist in establishing a chronostratigraphic framework within which to identify significant hiatuses and to constrain sequence stratigraphic interpretations, of both outcrops and subsurface reservoirs. In reservoirs, sequence and parasequence boundaries may be detected by a variety of other methodologies, all of which rely upon the spatial coherence of changes across these significant stratal surfaces. The geochemistry of both formation waters, and hydrocarbons, may show significant changes across these surfaces as a consequence of original variations in pore-water chemistry and/or the inability of diffusive mixing processes to equilibrate chemical compositions across such laterally extensive barriers to vertical communication. Similarly, formation pressure profiles, measured after depletion from initial reservoir pressures, frequently show significant discontinuities across these surfaces. Seismic data record the varying strengths of reflections that emanate from geological interfaces as a consequence of varying contrasts in acoustic impedance across geological surfaces. These surfaces (seismic reflectors) are commonly assumed to be of chronostratigraphic significance. It follows that spatially coherent patterns of variation in the physical properties of sediments between these surfaces may serve to delineate the location of facies belts (systems tracts) during the period of geological time represented by the sediments between reflectors. In favourable circumstances these patterns are imaged with a high degree of spatial precision by 3D reflection seismic data. The integration of the geometry of reflections with variations in reflection strength or other seismic attributes, may therefore serve to define both the chrono- and lithostratigraphic framework of reservoir sequences. It follows that qualitative inferences regarding reservoir architecture that are derived from sequence stratigraphic principles may be tested, refined and given improved spatial definition by the careful integration of diverse measurements with conceptual sedimentological models.