ABSTRACT: An Applied Sequence Stratigraphic Approach to Basin Analysis

WAGNER, J. B., Mobil Exploration & Producing Services, Dallas, TX, and B. M. KOFRON, R. W. MORIN, D. W. FORD, and V. R. MATHUR, Mepus, New Orleans, LA

Identifying, mapping, and understanding depositional sequences and their components are critical to accurately address source, reservoir, and seal within a basin. Applying sequence stratigraphy from a regional to prospect scale in both frontier and mature basins provides the framework for identifying prospective open acreage, deeper potential in existing fields, and farm-in opportunities. A detailed sequence stratigraphy project was developed within the offshore of Louisiana to (1) establish and assess the technical procedure required to apply sequence stratigraphy in order to generate prospects in an operational environment, (2) assess the pitfalls of such a procedure, and (3) gauge the time required to complete this type of an exploration approach in an operating unit.

The key steps involved in this project's sequence stratigraphic approach to basin analysis are:

1. sequence analysis by identifying sequence boundaries, condensed sections, and maximum flooding surfaces based on integrating seismic, wire-line log, and biostratigraphic data
2. structurally interpreting seismic while tying, carrying, and correlating surfaces
3. delineating and mapping depositional sequences, spatially locating paleoshelf breaks and paleofluvial sources, and generating wire-line log cross sections
4. seismic facies analysis consisting of both internal and external geometries of depositional sequences and their components
5. calibrating seismic facies with lithologic and paleontologic information for generating paleogeography maps and interpreting paleodepositional environments and lithofacies
6. final interpretation utilizing paleogeography maps for developing depositional models, understanding variations in existing models, and summarizing observations and pitfalls
7. generating prospects by identifying the reservoir, source, seal, and structure

Multidisciplinary teams are best suited to develop a sequence stratigraphic framework for exploration and producing needs because it involves the integration of diverse data sets.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91012©1992 AAPG Annual Meeting, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, June 22-25, 1992 (2009)