Exploring Siliciclastic Systems of Arabia Through Integrated Forward Stratigraphic Modeling and Multi-Simulation Approaches

Abstract

This work comes in the context of off-structure assessment of Paleozoic and Mesozoic siliciclastic systems of Arabia using innovative and integrated G&G approaches. Many challenges linked to the exploration of new hydrocarbon resources in such Mature Basins are driving innovative ideas towards the identification, the assessment and the de-risking of new subtle Plays. As important multi-scale and multi-disciplinary dataset (e.g., 2D, 3D seismic data, core and well log data and imagery…) have been acquired in the past decades along major structural features new frontiers are opening around major discovered sectors as well as in the offshore. This paper discusses the results of an innovative methodology developed to assess the detection of subtle stratigraphic trapping mechanisms using multi-disciplinary and multi-scale sedimentological, stratigraphic, petrophysical and geophysical techniques including seismic inversion and characterization as well as supported by regional process based deterministic DionisosFlow™ 4D forward stratigraphic models. The integration of CougarFlow™ automated multi-simulation approaches permits a better assessment of the impact of structural as well as environmental parameters on the sedimentary transport as well as deposition of fine versus coarse grained sediments laterally but also vertically. We also discuss the importance of stratigraphic scaling in the identification of sub-seismic stratigraphic traps and highlight the more consistent approaches to build sedimentary facies maps that are later integrated in petroleum systems models to simulate the impact of basinal evolution on hydrocarbon generation, migration and trapping. This workflow applied in mature sectors of the Arabian Plate sets new grounds for the generation of regional Play Fairway Maps, Common Risk Maps for the different Petroleum systems elements (reservoir, seal, trap and charge) as well as Composite Common Risk Maps. These tasks are aimed at assessing the overall risk associated to Plays and thus contribute to the identification of new exploration Lead Areas to be further de-risked in the near future.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90360 © 2019 AAPG Middle East Region Geoscience Technology Workshop, 3rd Edition of the Siliciclastic Reservoirs of the Middle East, Muscat, Oman, October 28-30, 2019