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The AAPG/Datapages Combined Publications Database
GCAGS Transactions
Abstract
Geological
Societies Transactions
An Appraisal of
Computer
Mapping Techniques as Applied to the Miocene Formations of Bayou Carlin and Lake Sand Fields, Southwestern Louisiana
Madhurendu B. Kumar (1), Donald H. Kupfer (1)
ABSTRACT
A Middle Miocene section (-9500 to -15,000 ft.) penetrated by numerous tests has been analyzed by a computer
-aided mapping program within a 160 square-mile area of South Louisiana. The area is in the structurally low part of the well known "Five Islands" trend.
Seven resistivity features were picked on most of 136 electric logs, correlated, and used to make conventional (manually-contoured) structural maps of four horizons and one isochore map. The same data
were then employed to generate
computer
maps by three different approaches: weighted-moving-average (contour maps), least-square-fits of polynomial surfaces up to the fifth order (trend maps), and residual maps. A large number of
computer
maps were generated on the high-speed printer and plotter, including structural maps, isochore maps, trend maps, and various residual maps. Some are useful and others do not appear to convey geologic sense; some, particularly high-order trend maps, may be of little or no significance.
The degree of similarity of the computer
maps to manual maps varies widely with the map type and technique used. The
computer
drawn structural contour-type maps best serve as "quick-look" maps, bringing out the major structural elements and guiding the choice of horizons for hand-
contouring
. Isochore maps aid interpretation of growth-faults, growth structures, subsidence rates, and age interpretations. The polynomial surface maps depict regional trends which can be used for extrapolation away from the known area, suggest "highs" and "lows" of significance, and display meaningful thickness variations. The residual maps show promise of distinguishing structural traps, the locale of growth faulting, and typical tectonic and sedimentation patterns.
Computer
maps do not supplant those made by conventional methods, but if used early in the mapping program, aid in picking key horizons and guiding the
contouring
.
Computer
and conventional maps, used together, suggest corrections in the structure and guide the final interpretation. Based on such considerations, tentative recommendations are made as to the most efficient application of
computer
-mapping techniques for exploration, specifically in the Gulf Coast region.
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