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The Carbonate Analogs Through Time (CATT) Hypothesis – A Systematic and Predictive Look at Phanerozoic Carbonate Reservoirs:
Extended Abstract*
By
James R. Markello1, Richard B. Koepnick2, and Lowell E. Waite3
Search and Discovery Article #40185 (2006)
Posted February 6, 2006
*Editorial Note: Modified from extended abstract prepared for presentation at
AAPG Annual Convention,
1ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, TX ([email protected])
2Qatar Petroleum, Doha, Qatar ([email protected])
3Pioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc., Dallas, TX ([email protected])
Introduction
The Carbonate Analogs Through Time (CATT) Hypothesis defines an approach for
developing systematic evaluations and predictive models of Phanerozoic carbonate
systems and reservoirs for use in upstream exploration, development, and
production businesses. Three applications are illustrated in this extended
abstract: 1. age-based pattern development, 2. comparative 
reservoir
analysis,
and 3. analog selection.
Exploration
geoscientists employ a host of established and successful concepts, tools, and
data to develop predictive models for field/reservoir occurrence and quality.
However, as exploration successes decrease, alternative approaches are needed to
refresh the exploration mindset. We present the CATT approach as a hypothesis
and as an alternative mindset for carbonate reservoir exploration. The geologic
age-based concepts and products provide thought-provoking perspectives on known
carbonate reservoir occurrences and offer a different way of thinking about
predicting where undiscovered carbonate reservoirs may exist. At the very least,
our Carbonate Analogs Through Time hypothesis provides a framework or context
within which to insightfully and schematically organize all of the concepts,
facts, and carbonate reservoir case studies/examples one encounters throughout a
career, and it can be used as an approach for comparative analysis of systems.
Reservoir engineers require detailed geologic-based reservoir parameters for
simulations of reservoir/field performance. Such simulations form the bases for
field development/depletion plans that invoke huge capital and operating
expenses. Thus, it is imperative to provide the best possible input to
simulation so that capex and opex investments are optimal. Typically, the input,
if not derived directly from data collected within a field under development,
has been gathered or derived from “analog” fields. Thus, choosing the most
appropriate analog is a critical task. We contend that the CATT approach
provides the conceptual basis for choosing the most appropriate analogs.
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CATT HypothesisThe CATT hypothesis simply stated is:
“Insightful, high-confidence, age-specific predictive models for
carbonate systems and
The hypothesis is built upon the cumulative body of knowledge that demonstrates carbonate and Earth processes have differentially varied throughout Phanerozoic time. These carbonate and Earth processes include: 1) ecologic, oceanographic, sedimentologic process-based controls on carbonate-factory development; 2) stratigraphic and accommodation-process-based controls on carbonate stratal architecture; 3) secular trends of evolution, grain mineralogy, tectonics, climate, eustasy, ocean circulation, and ocean chemistry; 4) the stratigraphic hierarchy and the constraint that first- and second-order Phanerozoic stratigraphic successions (Sloss Sequences) are age-fixed in geologic time (mybp). Two key products of this research are: 1) a poster compilation of secular varying geologic controls synchronized to the time-scale (Figure 1) and 2) a global atlas containing 29 present-day and paleogeographic map pairs with details of known Phanerozoic carbonate systems/reservoirs with age-based carbonate themes (Figure 2).
Age-Based Pattern Development
An example of developing an “age-sensitive pattern” or “time-based
theme” is when the map-view configuration and spatial relationships of
carbonate systems depicted on a paleogeographic map are convolved with
the ambient states of the carbonate and earth processes for that time
period (Figure 3). In this case, the key
carbonate systems/reservoirs that form the basis for this time-based
theme are in the Ellenberger Formation of West Texas. Articulation or
characterization of the theme can be made with simple declarative
statements that capture key system and/or
Comparative
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