Quantitative Clastics Laboratory Industrial Associates Program: Quantitative Morphometrics of Clastic Systems. PROPOSAL For 2006

Transcription

1 Quantitative Clastics Laboratory Industrial Associates Program: Quantitative Morphometrics of Clastic Systems PROPOSAL For 2006 QCL Contained herein is a slide format proposal for the upcoming Quantitative Clastics Laboratory Industrial Associates Program at the Bureau of Economic Geology, in the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin. It is intended to be an overview. You may contact Dr. Lesli J. Wood, lesli.wood@beg.utexas.edu, for additional information and membership. 1

2 Sample Percentile Quantitative Clastics Laboratory Industrial Associates: Quantitative Morphometrics of Clastic Systems Industry-sponsored basic and applied research in the influences on and nature of the architecture, geometry, distribution of clastic systems. Technology Transfer Quantitative Channel 2 Overall Width Channel Width Student Involvement of Graduate and Undergraduate Researchers Lorena Moscardelli Kristen Mize Nysha Chaderton Sean Sullivan Carla Sanchez Ariana Osman Emilio Garciacaro Andrew Dewhurst Ana Manzolillo Julie Maher David Soto Jed Flint QCL We will solicit new membership for the Quantitative Clastics Laboratory Industrial Associates program beginning in May 05 for a start date of January 06. Our previous research has been sponsored by a variety of companies for several years. We are seeking new data from Nile Delta, Morocco, Angola, Trinidad, Barbados, and North Slope Alaska, and hope to partner with BEG s Applied Geodynamics Laboratory IA to utilize extensive data provided in the Gulf of Mexico. It is not anticipated that these data will be provided member companies in whole, but rather are analyzed to synthesize an understanding of the clastic systems architecture, reservoir geometry and morphometrics and system evolution in response to basin conditions We currently have seven students involved in research. Three additional students will join the team this summer. By the end of Dec. 05 will have awarded five MS degrees, will have three PhD students and five MS students. We are very quantitative in our approach to our science goal of trying to develop models for predicting change in the nature of reservoirs and understanding the processes involved in their deposition and preservation. We are very focused on technology transfer, employing a mass of digital tools in conveying our research results to companies, as well as teaching short courses and running field training courses. 2

3 Quantitative Clastics Laboratory IA Objective Quantitative analyses of deep marine, shallow marine and fluvial/deltaic systems morphology and character to provide quantitative models and morphometric data on reservoir architecture and models for predicting change in the nature of reservoirs and understanding the processes involved in their deposition and preservation. Cost $40,000 per year, indefinite duration with interim products and right to renew every year 16.5% OH; 83.5% of the $ goes to research and student support. High-resolution coring and logging program of a near-waterbottom case study will be developed with matching proposal to the UT Jackson School of Geosciences. Any additional costs will be proposed as a supplement to annual membership fees. QCL The QCL IA will involve deep marine, shallow and fluvial/deltaic systems. Focus will be on quantitative architectural data sets derived from seismic and outcrops. BEGINS JANUARY 1, Membership is $40,000 U.S. per year and is renewable each year. 3

4 QCL IA: Technology Transfer Morphometric Databases of elements in deep marine, shallow Channel 2 Overall Width 800 marine and fluvial deltaic systems. 700 Predictive Models of morphologic character linked to basin 600 conditions, geographic location, basin tectonics New Play Concepts (examples from Phase I; Depositional 300 Shadows, Imbricate Fields, etc The Sand Box. HTML-based archive of clastic systems under Sample Percentile study and completed. Interpreted surfaces, published analogs, accompanying morphometric data and cumulative probability analyses. Release of 3D data volumes where possible to member companies. Release of surfaces, static and dynamic images and 3D models. Seismic Geomorphology short course; 2 days for member companies (3 seats each). In Service 2 days in-house/company/year Annual Member Meeting and slide sets Members only website and interactive database access for membership years. Analog Training Modules (ATMs) Field Trips QCL Channel Width The QCL IA is focused on assisting our companies in understanding the complexities and nature of clastic deposits from the basinwide scale to the individual reservoir unit scale. We spend a lot of time in design and population of tools to disseminate our research results in a user friendly and multi-platform compatible format. 4

5 Seismic Geomorphology of Clastic Systems Measuring Quantitative Architecture from Seismic Data Data Collection Center-line mapping Sinuosity Number of channel bends Radius of curvature Meander length Meander width Channel depth Channel width Splay frequency and locations Levee heights and widths Levee taper rates Debris flow runout distances Debris flow width and heights QCL Quantitative Seismic Geomorphology is an evolving field, building on the historic approaches of seismic stratigraphy, sequence stratigraphy, fluvial geomorphology and 3D seismic attribute extraction and analyses. We are continually evolving in our understanding of how subaerially-derived knowledge of geomorphic system behavior translates to submarine systems, of the important parameters that you can measure from seismic data and what they can tell you regarding your reservoir seal systems and of how to see more deeply into the detail of the seismic data using modern and outcrop analogs. 5

6 Seismic Geomorphology of Clastic Systems Simplifying the Collection of Morphometric Data GIS ARCVIEW ERMAPPER QCL ERMAPPER is the tool of choice used by the research group for collecting large amounts of quantitative morphometric data on a variety of depositional morphologies imaged in seismic data. Key surfaces are mapped, then used to bound intervals for attribute extraction, increasing imagability of the morphology. These attribute volumes are systematically sliced and imported into ERMAPPER (using a proprietary BEG script) for morphometric mapping and extraction of data. These data are then exported to Excel (using a proprietary BEG script) for statistical and probability analysis. 6

7 Seismic Geomorphology of Clastic Systems Data Analysis and Predictive Models QCL Data can be crunched in Excel and exported into any software that will handle large volumes of quantitative information. These data are used to look at relative morphometric relationships within the same systems and basins, or comparatively between different settings or basin types. Observations may be reported in the public press but the data bases themselves are provided only to the companies who are members for that year. These large volumes of quantitative data can also be synthesized into products such as Cumulative Probability Curves, which provide a quick look at P10, P50 and P90 of reservoir character. 7

8 Clastic Research Group Historical Archive Mining Existing Outcrop Archives FERRON SANDSTONE HIGH ACCOMMODATION FLUVIAL AND DELTAIC SYSTEM FALL RIVER FORMATION LOW ACCOMMODATION, FLUVIAL- ESTUARINE INCISED VALLEY AND WAVE DOMINATED DELTA FREWENS SANDSTONE TIDALLY-INFLUENCED LOWSTAND DELTA SEGO SANDSTONE TIDALLY INFLUENCED DELTA, ESTUARINE AND FLUVIAL MAYARO SANDSTONE HIGH ACCOMMODATION, WAVE- AND STORM-INFLUENCED SHELF EDGE DELTAS QCL Four outcrops areas in the Western Interior of the U.S. and outcrops of the southeastern Caribbean (Trinidad and Barbados) have been extensively studied by various scientists working in the Clastic Research Group over the past decade. These include Utah s Ferron Sandstone, Wyoming s Fall River Formation, Wyoming s Frewens Sandstone, Utah s Sego Sandstone and Trinidad s Mayaro Formation. Additional sections in Barbados (coarse-grained turbidites) and Trinidad (estuarine sands) are under study. Data collections on the outcrops are very quantitative in scope and consist of detailed photo panel montages and line drawings of sand and shale architecture and facies distributions, 100 s of sections were measured on 10 cm intervals that record facies, sand:shale, bed thickness, and degree of bioturbation. Additional information exists on paleocurrents, ichnofacies, sedimentary structures, and petrography, as well as porosity, permeability, and rock velocity measurements. Several study areas are tied to large well log databases immediately adjacent to outcropping strata. These data provide a historical database which can be built upon through laser-data collection of outcrop panels, morphometric data collection and seismic modeling of outcrops to provide an immense database on shallow marine and fluvial reservoir architectures. We plan to synthesize and mine additional morphometric data from these existing databases and are in discussions with our BEG LASER Research Group for collection of additional data on these outcrops. 8

9 1500 COMP Clastic Research Group Historical Archive Mining Existing Outcrop Archives TST LST HST P 10 = 550 m P 50 = 1600 m P 90 = 3350 m n = Width (m) P90 = 15.6 m P50 = 9.2 m P10 = 4 m 5 n = Ridge height Facies River deltas Heads of bays Tidal coasts Sego bars Sego TB complex Open seas Roda tidal ridges (a) Bedding and facies Open seas River deltas Heads of bays Tidal coasts Sego bars Ager basin bars Sego TB complex (b) Shales and cement 2m 2m Ridge complex height in meters QAc4414(aq)c 2 vertical exaggeration QCL Slide showing the types of data collected by the research group from outcrop studies. Tidal bar images (lower right after White, Willis and Dutton). Work of BEG scientists has shown that depositional elements and the lithofacies that compose them are critical to create an accurate model for subsurface flow. The tidal bar image above is from the Sego Sandstone in eastern Utah. Lithofacies proportions vary dramatically for different systems tracts in the Sego Sandstone. The minimum scale of unit that can be confidently mapped in well log data is that of the depositional element. The minimum scale of unit that can be confidently mapped in seismic data is that of the systems tract in vertical sections and the depositional element in horizontal images. There is a high degree of error when trying to deterministically map fine-scale lithofacies in subsurface data. A good approach to this problem is to map key surfaces; for example, lowstand, transgressive, and maximum flooding surfaces in outcrop, and thus define systems tracts that are bound by those surfaces. Statistics are then calculated for the percent and distribution of lithofacies (1 through 5) that make up each systems tract. These statistics can be used to repopulate a systems tract interpreted from subsurface well log and seismic data to create a more detailed and accurate subsurface flow model. In addition, Wood (2004, AAPG Memoir 80) showed that sand body geometry varies by sequence, systems tract and location along the shoreline. These types of information can be collected from outcrop and a variety of other types of data sets, both modern and ancient. 9

10 Clastic Research Group Historical Archive Mining Existing Outcrop Archives Extract geometry/dimensional data from the outcrop and well log information. Summarize the 2D aspect ratios and the 3D-sandbody geometry of architectural/ depositional elements, as well as typical (for this system) ranges of correlation lengths. If time allows we would also like to look at some of the sealing geometries and correlation lengths, and how to predict their dimensions and distribution. Lidar collection of outcrop data where feasible (Collab. w/ D. Pyles) Continue seismic modeling efforts (Collab. w/ M. Tomaso) Synthesize the geometry and dimensional data to be able to predict dimensions, distributions, and stacking patterns of architectural/ depositional elements by systems tracts. Design ATM Modules for key elements and each project area. QCL Slide showing the additional work planned as part of mining of existing CRG outcrop archives. 10

11 The Sedimentary ANalogs Database Overview. Great strides have been made in the past decade in the understanding of the processes and deposits of clastics systems. One of the greatest challenges scientists face is to effectively communicate the results of their research to academia, industry, government and the public. To be of practical use, research results must be widely disseminated in a manner that is easy to access and understand. To address this problem, the QCL IA is creating The Sand Box: An Interactive Atlas of Clastic Systems. The Sand Box is intended to be a living catalogue that will be updated with editions issued each year to consortium members. The Sand Box is intended to be the most comprehensive collection of clastic system images, animations and data ever assembled. It will be useful both as an introduction for novices and as a unique and comprehensive source of analogs for experienced users. Content and Organization. The Sand Box is an HTML-based interactive, comprehensive atlas of clastic systems. When complete, the multimodule atlas will contain hundreds of images of clastic systems around the world. These will include field exposures (ourcrop views, geologic maps, aerial photographs, satellite images), seismic sections, attribute images, quantitative morphologic data, geologic cross sections, conceptual sketches and animations. In addition, the atlas will showcase previous research from the CRG outcrop studies catalogue compiled from work on the outcrops of the U.S. Western Interior, as well as best case examples of clastic systems seismic geomorphologies from ongoing work in the Quantitative Clastics Laboratory IA program. QCL The Sand Box is an HTML-based interactive, comprehensive atlas of clastic systems. When complete, the multimodule atlas will contain hundreds of images of clastic systems around the world. These will include field exposures (ourcrop views, geologic maps, aerial photographs, satellite images), seismic sections, attribute images, quantitative morphologic data, geologic cross sections, conceptual sketches and animations. In addition, the atlas will showcase previous research from the CRG outcrop studies catalogue compiled from work on the outcrops of the U.S. Western Interior and other areas of the world, as well as best case examples of clastic systems seismic geomorphologies from ongoing work in the BEG Quantitative Clastics Laboratory IA program. 11

12 Field Courses and In-house Courses Field Courses Sequence Stratigraphy and Reservoir Architecture of Tide- Influenced Shoreline Systems in the Late Cretaceous (Campanian) Sego Sandstone Member of the Mancos Shale In-house Courses Seismic Geomorphology of Clastic Systems (2 days) Seismic Geomorphology of Deep Water Systems (2 days) Clastic Reservoirs of the Southeastern Caribbean Region QCL The Quantitative Clastics Laboratory IA will continue to run field courses to areas under study or relevant to areas under study. These trips are run at cost for member company representatives. The QCL IA will have an annual short course held in Austin, or in Houston at the Core Research Facility for member companies to send a specified number of representatives. Additional courses can be arranged upon request. 12

13 Areas of Current and Future Study Data Sets Key Outcrop Deep water Fluvial/Deltaic New study Under discussion Localities areas QCL Current areas under study and assigned personnel include: Indonesia, West Natuna Basin (Flint) Fluvial, deltaic; 3800 sq. km of 3D, 5 seconds of data, 13 well penetrations; compressional tectonics, some strike slip. Trinidad 3D deep water mega survey (Moscardelli, Garciacaro) shelf edge to deep marine basin; 10,000 sq km 3D, 180 shallow (1m) drop core; plate boundary margin, strike slip and thrust tectonics, mobile shale substrate GOM Starfak/Tiger Shoal surveys (Wood) Miocene through Quaternary age shallow marine and fluvial to upper slope; 362 sq km, growth faulted, 4.5 seconds of data Data sets proposed for study include: Angola Block 14 survey (unassigned) deep water; 3D, salt tectonics; North Slope Alaska (Dewhurst) deep water; 3D Western Offshore Morocco (Sanchez) shelf to deep water; 3D; 3000 sq km. Columbus Channel 3D, Trinidad (Winters) fluvial deltaic to deep water Trinidad 3D shallow marine mega survey (Maher) sub aerial to shelf edge (overlaps with deep water mega survey); 10,000 sq km 3D, numerous geotechnical boreholes; plate boundary margin, dominated by extensional growth faulting and mobile shale substrate. GOM Sigsbee 3D Survey (Wood) 3,000 sq km, passive margin, mobile salt, deepwater GOM Mad Dog 3D Survey (Wood) 400 sq km, passive margin, mobile salt, deepwater GOM Atlantis 3D Survey (Wood) 400 sq km, passive margin, mobile salt, deepwater 13

14 Shallow Core and Logging Program Core data is imperative to assess the feasibility of form as a predictor of lithology, and to understand the distribution of lithologies in various depositional settings and under various conditions. Possible Tools GLAD 800: 200 m water, 800 m of sediment Shallow marine to deep upper slope. Contract vessels QCL We have a detailed list of costs from Contract vessels to collect both shallow marine and deep core in targeted architectures. It is hoped that this program can eventually lead to targeted coring programs to test specific facies. Our current approach is to acquire as much shallow core and well data as is available across a study area to ground truth observations made in the seismic data. We currently have an extensive core and log collection in the areas we are currently working. 14

15 QCL IA Possible Program for 2006 Continued quantitative work on deep water Trinidad data sets (Garcicaro, Moscardelli, Sullivan) Quantitative Architectural Data on Tidal Bar Architectures and Summary Explanation (Wood) Preliminary Quantitative Architectural Data on Fluvial Deltaic Systems, Compressional-to-Passive Margin Basin (Flint, Kolla) Quantitative Architectural Data on Plio-Miocene Fluvial Deltaic Systems, Passive Margin, Gulf of Mexico (Wood) Quantitative Architectural Data on Plio-Pliestocene Wave-dominated Shoreline and Delta, Trinidad Shelf (Maher, Osman, Winters) Collaboration with AGL. Multiple datasets in the Sigsbee Salt Sheet. (Wood) Initiation of work on Angola Deep Marine Depositional Margin (unassigned) Initiation of work in Morocco Deep Marine Depositional Margin (C. Sanchez) QCL Several projects are currently in the planning and implementation stages for

16 QCL IA Publishing Policy We are an academic institution and our job is to publish and disseminate research to the public. Our students must put their research in the public record to graduate. WE DO NOT PUBLISH RAW MORPHOMETRIC DATA SETS. Those data are available to our member companies. WE DO NOT PUBLISH ANY PAPER WITHIN THE TWO YEARS OF INITIATING WORK ON A SPECIFIC RESEARCH DATA SET. WE DO NOT PUBLISH ANY PAPER UNLESS FIRST PROVIDING IT TO OUR SPONSORERS AT LEAST 1 YEAR AHEAD OF PUBLICATION. SPONSORING COMPANIES ARE RECOGNIZED UPFRONT AS EMPOWERING ALL SCIENCE AND PUBLICATIONS THAT ARE DONE BY THE RESEARCH GROUP. MEMBER COMPANIES ARE PROVIDED DIGITAL COPIES OF ALL SLIDES, PAPERS, POSTERS, AND VISUALIZATIONS GENERATED BY THE RESEARCH GROUP. QCL PUBLICATIONS POLICY 16

17 To join the Quantitative Clastics Laboratory Industrial Associates Program RESEARCH CALENDAR YEAR BEGINS JANUARY 1 AND RUNS THROUGH DECEMBER 31, EACH YEAR. ANNUAL MEETING WILL BE HELD IN AUSTIN, TEXAS, U.S.A. OR HOUSTON, TEXAS, U.S.A.. ADDITIONAL MEETINGS CAN BE ARRANGED IF NECESSARY DECEMBER OF EACH PROJECT YEAR, COMPANIES ARE MAILED AN INVOICE FOR THE COMING YEAR. ACCESS TO THE RESEARCH GROUP WEBSITE IS LIMITED TO MEMBERSHIP YEARS WE PROVIDE YOU A STANDARD LETTER OF AGREEMENT AND YOU PROVIDE A $40,000 US CHECK TO BECOME A MEMBER, PLEASE CONTACT: DR. LESLI J. WOOD, PI lesli.wood@beg.utexas.edu\ Bureau of Economic Geology University of Texas at Austin QCL MEMBERSHIP 17