Reservoir Geology of Marginal Marine Strata
The University of Colorado (Andy Pulham, PI; Paul Weimer, co-PI) and the University of Alberta Ichnology Research Group (George Pemberton, co-PI) conducted a joint industrial research project that investigated the nature of sequence stratigraphic surfaces and fabrics in marginal marine settings, and documented the influence of sequence stratigraphy on reservoir architecture and reservoir performance.
The consortium began in 1996 and finished in December 2000.
The objectives were to:
(1) establish a compendium of key surfaces, their recognition, expression and utility in reservoir description and characterization.
(2) compile a series of concise case studies that examine the impact of stratigraphic surfaces and fabrics on reservoir compartmentalization, connectivity, and performance
(3) investigate what is unique about stratigraphic architecture of he reservoirs and what are shared facets.
The key aim of our research was to blend sedimentology, ichnology,
biostratigraphy and rock properties of quality data into an integrated understanding of their
reservoir geology and then compare their depositional history and stratigraphic fabric with
reservoir perfomance data. We identified generic controls on reservoir
performance that can be used in predictive reservoir models. We also added outcrop studies that can help us better characterize the subsurface data.
Specific topics and areas included:
Western Interior of North America
- Morrowan (Lower Pennsylvanian) incised valley reservoirs of eastern Colorado/western Kansas
- Turonian (Upper Cretaceous) of southeast Utah: Ferron sandstone: wells and cores, outcrops, and biostratigraphy
- Campanian (Upper Cretaceous) of southwest Wyoming: Almond Formation--
subsurface and outcrop
- Cretaceous reservoirs of the Alberta Basin
- Lower Eocene continental outcrops of northern Wyoming
South America
- Lower Tertiary, Cusiana Field, Llanos Basin, Colombia
- Oligocene, Apiay Field, Llanos Basin, Colombia
- Lower Tertiary and Upper Cretaceous of eastern Venezuela Basin
Europe
- Middle Jurassic, Bruce Field, North Sea
Asia
- Cretaceous reservoirs, Papua-New Guinea
One PhD degree was awarded (David Bowen), and five MS degrees were awarded (Julia Caldaro-Baird, Mason Dykstra, Claudia Malagon, Nubia
Santiago, Mario Suarez).
Two MS theses are still in progress: Alwin Djamaoeddin, Lisa Morris.
Supporting Companies: AGIP, BG, BP, Chevron, Conoco, Exxon, Norsk Hydro, Schlumberger-Doll, Texaco, Union Pacific
Software sponsoring companies: CogniSeis, Geographix, Landmark
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A geocellular model, visualized using Stratamodel, shows valley systems
(in yellow and red) sitting in a matrix of non-valley
sandstones and mudrocks. This image illustrates the lithologic fabric of the
Mirador Formation, Cusiana field, eastern
Colombia, South America (Click to enlarge)
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Student Theses
PhD Degree
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David W. Bowen
"High-resolution sequence stratigraphy of Pennsylvanian Morrow reservoirs, southeastern Colorado." Graduated, spring 2001.
MS Degrees
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Claudia Malagon
"Facies analysis and stratigraphic framework of the lower Oligocene T2 sandstone, Carbonera Formation, Apiay Field, Colombia," graduated fall 1996.
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Mario Suarez
"Facies analysis of the upper Eocene La Paz Formation and regional evaluation of the post-middle Eocene stratigraphy, northern Middle Magdelena Basin, Colombia," graduated fall 1996.
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Mason Dykstra
"Fluvial architecture in the lower Eocene Willwood Formation, northwestern Wyoming as an indicator of avulsion style." graduated summer 1999.
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Nubia Santiago
"Sequence stratigraphic interpretation of Paleocene-Eocene reservoirs, eastern Venezuelan Basin" graduated summer 1999.
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Julia Caldaro-Baird
"Stratigraphic analysis and reservoir characterization of the Stagecoach Draw field, Upper Cretaceous, southwestern Wyoming." graduated spring 2000.
In Progress
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Lisa Morris, MS Student
"High resolution sequence stratigraphy and reservoir geology, Desert Springs field, southwestern Wyoming."
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Alwin Djamaoeddin, MS student
"Reservoir characterization of a Miocene field, central Sumatra, Indonesia"
Selected References
Bowen, D. W., and P. Weimer
Reservoir geology of incised valley-fill sandstones of the Pennsylvanian Morrow Formation, southern Stateline trend, Colorado and Kansas, in K. W. Shanley and B. F. Perkins, eds., 18th Annual GCSSEPM Research Conference, p. 55-66. 1997.
Malagon, C., P. Weimer, M. J. Kraus, and A. J. Pulham
Facies analysis of the Lower Oligocene T1 sandstone (Carbonera Formation), Apiay field, Llanos Basin, Colombia, in K. W. Shanley and B. F. Perkins, eds., 18th Annual GCSSEPM Research Conference, p. 183-195. 1997.
Suarez, M., P. Weimer, M. J. Kraus, and A. J. Pulham
Facies analysis of the Upper Eocene La Paz Formation, Provincia Field, northern Middle Magdelena Valley Basin, Colombia, in K. W. Shanley and B. F. Perkins, eds., 18th Annual GCSSEPM Research Conference, p. 319-330. 1997.
Bowen, D. W., and P. Weimer
Regional Sequence Stratigraphic Setting and Reservoir Geology of Morrow Incised Valley Sandstones (Lower Pennsylvanian), Eastern Colorado and Western Kansas: AAPG Bulletin, in Review.
Bowen, D. W., and P. Weimer
Reservoir geology of the Nicholas and Liverpool-Cemetery Fields, Stanton County, Kansas, and their significance to the regional interpretation of the Morrow Formation incised valley-fill systems in eastern Colorado and western Kansas: AAPG Bulletin. In Review
