Abstract

A multidisciplinary study utilizing log, core and 3D seismic has resulted in developing a log-, core- and seismic-based stratigraphic framework for regional mapping of stratigraphic and petrophysical units of the Barnett Shale in part of the Fort Worth Basin of Texas. To date, we have applied this workflow to our initial study area covering approximately 550 square miles. Nine lithofacies have been identified from long Barnett Shale cores. Carbonate-rich intervals are indicative of shallower-water environments, while clay-rich intervals are more indicative of deeper, quieter-water environments of deposition. The lithofacies are arranged in a predictable vertical stacking pattern of parasequences, representing shallowing-upward or deepening-upward depositional environments. The parasequences are continuous and mappable over the study area. Stratigraphic intervals defined from well data have been correlated to three 3D seismic volumes, and mapped regionally. In general, the Barnett Shale in this area thickens toward the northeast, closer to its source, but there is some variability in thickness trends within specific stratigraphic intervals. The workflow that has been developed is being extended to other areas of the Fort Worth Basin Barnett Shale play.