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GCSeismic Attribute Analysis of Hydrothermal Dolomite*
By
Uwe Strecker1, Matthew Carr1, Steve Knapp2, Maggie Smith1, Richard Uden1, and Gareth Taylor1
 
Search and Discovery Article #40180 (2005)
Posted December 16, 2005
 
*Adapted from the Geophysical Corner column, prepared by the authors and entitled “Matching to Model Can Cut Risk,” in AAPG Explorer, July, 2005. Appreciation is expressed to Alistair Brown, editor of Geophysical Corner, and to Larry Nation, AAPG Communications Director, for their support of this online version. Seismic data courtesy of Seitel Inc; also contributing--Terry Zwicker, Samson Canada; and Denise Poley, El Paso/British Gas. 

 

1Rock Solid Images (RSI), Houston ([email protected])
2Steve Knapp is senior geophysicist, Oxy Petroleum ([email protected])
 
General Comments 

To optimize subsurface geophysical interpretations, it is beneficial to place seismic attributes into the proper regional geological context; knowledge of regional geology may assist exploration/exploitation efforts in advance by high-grading attribute selection and attribute intersection for purposes of risk analysis. 

The field-tested exploration strategy presented here seeks to encapsulate all pertinent play characteristics into a viable geological model, where each dominant reservoir property is expressed as a risk parameter that in turn can be resolved by a seismic attribute. 

The play is Givetian (Devonian) biohermal build-ups and lagoonal deposits, which comprise prospective section within the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. This geologic basin hosts well known gas fields such as Ladyfern (> 1Tcf) (see Figure 1).

 

 

uGeneral comments
uFigure captions
uStructure & diagenesis
uSeismic attributes
uConclusion
uReference

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

uGeneral comments
uFigure captions
uStructure & diagenesis
uSeismic attributes
uConclusion
uReference

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

uGeneral comments
uFigure captions
uStructure & diagenesis
uSeismic attributes
uConclusion
uReference

 

 

 

 

 

Figure and Table Captions

Figure 1 -- Hydrothermal dolomitization model (from Boreen and Davis, 2001)

Figure 2 -- Hydrothermal dolomite versus tight limestone in relative acoustic impedance.

Figure 3 -- Relative acoustic impedance.

Table 1 -- Exploration strategy.
 

Structure and Diagenesis 

What structural and diagenetic changes caused this Canadian Paleozoic carbonate platform to become a world-class hydrothermal dolomite play? 

The above model of hydrothermal dolomitization contends that Mg2+-rich brines ascend along wrench-faults forcing a chemical phase transition from calcite to dolomite along favorable carbonate rock fabric/textures. Porosity development deteriorates away from faults, implying that -- in contrast to conventional wisdom -- highest reservoir quality rock may not always be encountered on structural crests, but instead on anticlinal flanks with a high wet risk (Table 1).

 

Seismic Attributes and Geologic Model 

Using geological knowledge about the formation, seismic attributes can be employed to illuminate specific reservoir properties. For instance, fracturing/faulting can be detected via low similarity values (event terminations). Conversely, wells that tested tight are not situated close to or within fracture zones. This caveat has been confirmed since by several wells drilled that did not employ seismic attribute analysis. Lithologic change from tight limestone to porous dolomite is indicated by amplitude and waveform changes that can be catalogued using Kohonen self-organizing maps (artificial neural network topology). 

Because of high compressional carbonate rock velocity, well-log impedances (AI) almost entirely respond to total porosity (PHIT) change instead of fluid type. Unfortunately, overlapping lithology fields in a petrophysical AI/PHIT crossplot suggest that no differentiation of shales from porous dolomites should be possible in the seismic domain. 

The spatial distribution of relative acoustic impedance using geological knowledge about the formation, however, is employed to illuminate specific reservoir properties (Figure 2). In accord with the geological model, dolomitization (lowered relative acoustic impedance) occurs preferably at the base of the formation (phase reversal in relative AI). In contrast, high relative impedance values are associated with tight limestone (no polarity reversal). Intraformational shales, too, are associated with lowered values of relative acoustic impedance, but occur within the formation rather than at its base (Figure 3). 

In accord with the geological model, this lowered relative acoustic impedance spot centered within the Slave Point Formation is incompatible with the geologic model, as hydrothermal dolomitization should occur at the base of the formation first. The well drilled on this anomaly encountered a shale plug.

 

Conclusion 

Matching seismic attributes to a viable geological model can significantly reduce drilling risk.

 

Reference

Boreen, T., and G. Davies, 2004, Hydrothermal dolomite and leached limestones in a TCF gas play: the Ladyfern Slave Point reservoir, NEBC, in Dolomites—The spectrum: Mechanisms, models, reservoir development: CSPG Seminar and Core Conference, June 13-15, 2004, Calgary, Alberta, 17 p.

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