About This Item

Share This Item

The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database

AAPG Bulletin

Abstract

DOI:10.1306/08030908157

Synthetic seismic models from outcrop-derived reservoir-scale three-dimensional facies models: The Eocene Ainsa turbidite system (southern Pyrenees)

O. Falivene,1 P. Arbues,2 J. Ledo,3 B. Benjumea,4 J. A. Munoz,5 O. Fernandez,6 S. Martinez7

1Geomodels Institute, Group of Geodynamics and Basin Analysis, Facultat de Geologia, c/Marti i Franques s/n 08028, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; present address: Shell International Exploration and Production, Kessler Park 1, 2280 GS, Rijswijk, Netherlands; [email protected]
2Geomodels Institute, Group of Geodynamics and Basin Analysis, Facultat de Geologia, c/Marti i Franques s/n 08028, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
3Geomodels Institute, Group of Geodynamics and Basin Analysis, Facultat de Geologia, c/Marti i Franques s/n 08028, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
4Institut Geologic de Catalunya, Spain
5Geomodels Institute, Group of Geodynamics and Basin Analysis, Facultat de Geologia, c/Marti i Franques s/n 08028, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
6Roxar Ltd., Tuition House, London SW19 4EU, United Kingdom; present address: BP Exploration and Production, Sunbury-on-Thames, United Kingdom
7Geomodels Institute, Group of Geodynamics and Basin Analysis, Facultat de Geologia, c/Marti i Franques s/n 08028, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; present address: Unitat de Tecnologia Marina-CSIC, Centre Mediterrani d'Investigacions Marines i Ambientals, Barcelona, Spain

ABSTRACT

This study uses one-dimensional convolution seismic models to better understand which features of slope turbidite systems can (or cannot) be observed on real seismic data, aiming to improve subsurface seismic interpretation. Synthetic seismic sections and cubes were built from reservoir-scale three-dimensional facies models of the outcropping Ainsa turbidite system. This turbidite system developed in a foredeep and wedge-top depositional setting within a slope system. The turbidite system consists of laterally and vertically stacked sandstone- and debrite-dominated channel fills, grading into heterolithic and mudstone units, with intercalations of slump-deformed mudstone-rich units. Typical petrophysical values for subsurface Cenozoic sediments were assumed for the seismic models, which are presented at 25-, 50-, and 75-Hz resolution.

Seismic models enabled the comparison between architectural and facies distributions observed in the outcrops and the geological models to their possible seismic expression in the subsurface. Comparisons show how seismic expression degrades when seismic resolution decreases. By using models at different geological scales, the effects of each heterogeneity scale are identified. Precise delineation of the internal architecture and facies distribution within channel complexes is beyond the reach of all seismic frequencies. The position of channel complex tops and margins is uncertain because of their gradual character. Differentiating between sandstone- and debrite-filled channels is not straightforward, and bed-scale heterogeneities within the sandstone-dominated channels are barely distinguishable in the seismic data. The net-to-gross predictive capability of root-mean-square amplitude extractions varies depending on the seismic frequency and unit thickness.

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].