Variability in wave-dominated estuary sandstones: implications on subsurface reservoir development

Abstract

Research Article| March 01, 2002 Variability in wave-dominated estuary sandstones: implications on subsurface reservoir development S.M. Hubbard; S.M. Hubbard Shell Canada Limited, 400 - 4 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2H5 1Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A. Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar M.K. Gingras; M.K. Gingras Department of Geology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar S.G. Pemberton; S.G. Pemberton Ichnology Research Group, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar M.B. Thomas M.B. Thomas Shell Canada Limited, 400 - 4 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2H5 Search for other works by this author on: GSW Google Scholar Author and Article Information S.M. Hubbard 1Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, U.S.A. Shell Canada Limited, 400 - 4 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2H5 M.K. Gingras Department of Geology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 S.G. Pemberton Ichnology Research Group, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2E3 M.B. Thomas Shell Canada Limited, 400 - 4 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2P 2H5 Publisher: Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Received: 12 Apr 2001 Accepted: 28 Aug 2001 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Online ISSN: 2368-0261 Print ISSN: 0007-4802 © The Society of Canadian Petroleum Geologists Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology (2002) 50 (1): 118–137. https://doi.org/10.2113/50.1.118 Article history Received: 12 Apr 2001 Accepted: 28 Aug 2001 First Online: 02 Mar 2017 Cite View This Citation Add to Citation Manager Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Search Site Citation S.M. Hubbard, M.K. Gingras, S.G. Pemberton, M.B. Thomas; Variability in wave-dominated estuary sandstones: implications on subsurface reservoir development. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology 2002;; 50 (1): 118–137. doi: https://doi.org/10.2113/50.1.118 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Refmanager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentBy SocietyBulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology Search Advanced Search Abstract Although ancient estuarine deposits are generally characterized by complex facies distributions, their associated sandstones commonly constitute prolific hydrocarbon reservoirs. Ebb-tidal delta, barrier-bar, tidal-inlet, flood-tidal delta, tidal-channel, tidal-flat and bayhead delta sub-environments can all be associated with sandstones that may potentially have excellent reservoir properties. Distinguishing between depositionally distinctive sandstones is crucial to the accurate reserve and deliverability assessment of reservoirs within estuarine systems. This knowledge can help plan an optimum development strategy for a hydrocarbon play.In this study, the quality and distribution of sandstones from wave-dominated estuaries is compared using subsurface data from the Lower Cretaceous Bluesky Formation of the Peace River area in Alberta. Modern sediments from Willapa Bay, Washington, are used to support observations made in the Bluesky Formation, and fill in information gaps inherent with subsurface datasets. The modem and fossil estuarine systems studied show that tidal-inlet and barrier-bar sandstones are characterized by the best reservoir qualities, followed by tidal delta, bayhead delta, tidal-channel, and lastly tidal-flat sandstones. Variability in preservation potential amongst ancient estuarine complexes can be significant, however, and is an important factor with respect to recognizing, evaluating, and ranking the economic importance of individual units from any given estuarine deposit. This content is PDF only. Please click on the PDF icon to access. You do not have access to this content, please speak to your institutional administrator if you feel you should have access.