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Integrated seismic analysis of carbonate reservoirs

From the framework to the volume attributes

ExxonMobil Exploration Company, Houston, Texas, U.S.

James S. Schuelke

ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co., Houston, Texas, U.S.

Corresponding author: rick.sarg@exxonmobil.com

The first 20% of the full text of this article appears below.

The recognition of the significance of seismic geometries and the depositional sequence concepts derived from them have revolutionized carbonate stratigraphy. New insight into carbonate platform evolution has been gained from outcrops by describing subseismic geometric and facies relationships within a larger seismic-scale chronostratigraphic framework. Integration of the outcrop and seismic and knowledge of the subseismic facies distributions has improved seismic stratigraphic prediction. Recently, seismic analysis of carbonate strata has focused on the generation of more accurate and robust stratigraphic frameworks and large-scale carbonate platform architecture. Delineating the depositional sequence framework provides a predictive way to map reservoir (e.g., grainstone shoals, reefal rudstones and floatstones, etc.), source, and seal lithofacies, and to qualitatively delineate the early diagenetic history of a platform (e.g., subaerial exposure at sequence boundaries). Pore systems are complex and record both depositional and diagenetic controls. Outcrop dimensional data and forward seismic models help to quantitatively populate geometrically constrained stratigraphic models, and validate seismic predictions of stratigraphy and lithofacies.

The sequence framework also provides constraints for geologic modeling in exploration and production settings. The introduction of 3D seismic, seismic attributes (e.g., amplitude, frequency, phase), and visualization technology integrated with rock physics, core, and outcrop lithofacies dimensions provides new opportunities to delineate meter to decimeter-scale stratigraphy. Attribute and seismic facies can be mapped in 3D volumes and provide spatial distributions of individual stratal bodies. Low impedance contrasts within platforms can be due to subtle porosity changes and are detectable with seismic inversion.

Efforts to significantly improve seismic imaging of carbonate sequences are critical to any advances in the area of volume and attribute interpretation. The unique aspects of carbonates, including high impedance, low-impedance contrasts within platform successions, lack of bedding and complex pore systems in reefal lithofaces, the potential for steep depositional slopes, and the chaotic character of karsted terrains . . . [Full Text of this Article]