About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

AAPG Bulletin, V. 93, No. 6 ( 2009), 10.1306/08102022309P. 795-827.

Copyright copy2009. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.

DOI:10.1306/02230908102

A new approach for outcrop characterization and geostatistical analysis of a low-sinuosity fluvial-dominated succession using digital outcrop models: Upper Triassic Oukaimeden Sandstone Formation, central High Atlas, Morocco

Ivan Fabuel-Perez,1 David Hodgetts,2 Jonathan Redfern3

1North Africa Research Group, Basin Studies and Petroleum Geoscience, School of Earth Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; present address: ExxonMobil International Limited, ExxonMobil House, Ermyn Way, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 8UX, United Kingdom; [email protected]
2North Africa Research Group, Basin Studies and Petroleum Geoscience, School of Earth Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; [email protected]
3North Africa Research Group, Basin Studies and Petroleum Geoscience, School of Earth Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom; [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The use of digital outcrop models in combination with traditional sedimentological field data improves the accuracy and efficiency of qualitative and quantitative characterization of outcrop analogs for reservoir modeling purposes. In this article, we apply an innovative methodology of outcrop characterization to an Upper Triassic fluvial-dominated system, exposed in extensive outcrops with limited three-dimensional (3-D) exposure.

Qualitative analysis of the study outcrop allows the subdivision of the formation into three architectural intervals. Each interval can be further subdivided into subintervals on the basis of architectural style. This subdivision provides information on reservoir compartmentalization, which is used for zonation of the geocellular model. Qualitative analysis also provides valuable information on reservoir facies distribution.

A new technique termed ldquoperpendicular projection planerdquo is presented as a tool for quantitative analysis of outcrops with reduced 3-D exposure. This technique improves the accuracy of apparent width measurements of geobodies exposed in outcrops, which are subparallel to paleoflow. The quantitative analysis provides a detailed data set of geobody dimensions to use as conditioning data for analog reservoir models. Statistical analysis of the dimensions provides empirical relationships to apply in subsurface analog systems to reduce uncertainty related to stochastic modeling approaches.

Pay-Per-View Purchase Options

The article is available through a document delivery service. Explain these Purchase Options.

Watermarked PDF Document: $14
Open PDF Document: $24

AAPG Member?

Please login with your Member username and password.

Members of AAPG receive access to the full AAPG Bulletin Archives as part of their membership. For more information, contact the AAPG Membership Department at [email protected].