High Resolution
Sequence Stratigraphy of the Fahud Natih C & D Reservoir
Units: Constraints on Production
By
Younis Altobi1, Volker Vahrenkamp2, Peter Homewood3
(1) University of Texas, Austin, TX (2) Petroleum Development Oman, Muscat, Oman (3) Sultan Qaboos University, Al Khod, Oman
Vertical and lateral
heterogeneities due to depositional and diagenetic
variations are common in the Lower Cretaceous Carbonates of North Oman. This
exerts a major constraint on oil-field development schemes such as GOGD versus
water-flood development in Natih reservoir units of the Fahud Field.
Facies distributions were studied in six cored wells in Fahud Field. Core descriptions, a regional overview based on outcrop analogues, and a literature survey were used to build a core-log depositional model indicating that sediments were laid down over a low topography deeper shelf.
High Resolution
Sequence Stratigraphy established the stratigraphic
architecture, dividing the Natih C & D into 3 orders of cyclicity. The 4th order
cycles are the highest level of cyclicity that can be correlated easily across
the field. The 3rd order regressive-transgressive cycles form the larger units
and sequences, roughly equivalent to the existing reservoir subdivisions (Natih
A-G). These results were used to build a 3D static reservoir model for the Natih
C & D Reservoir Units.
In Rudist Sands, Wackstone/Packstones and Packstone/Grainstones, where fractures occur in 4th order regressive cycles within 3rd order regressive cycles, it seems doubtful as to whether a connected fracture network exists. The reservoir rock is interpreted as too weak to maintain large-scale fractures, so water-flood development could be successful. More competent and highly permeable Rud/Floatstones, with dissolution of the shell fragments leading to a well-connected vuggy-pore system (transgressive part of a 3rd order sequence), is interpreted as suitable for GOGD development.