Put simply, there are no "ground truth" data. All data, including well logs, cores, 2-D and 3-D seismic, biostratigraphy, and production information must be integrated for accurate sequence stratigraphic interpretation.

Because rocks are fundamental to an accurate sequence stratigraphic interpretation in carbonate systems, this module is designed to provide an essential overview of the basics of seismic stratigraphy, including carbonate rocks, facies, fabric and pore type, as well as the three critical environments in which indicator facies originate.

Carbonate rocks are organized in stratigraphic hierarchies. These stratigraphic hierarchies represent themselves differently as a function of eustacy (icehouse, greenhouse, mixed) and tectonic/structural setting. By examining these carbonate sequences and establishing their heirarchical groups - cycles, cycle sets, systems tracts, HFS, CS - it will be possible to develop a stratigraphic model and put these principles to work in a hands-on instructional exercise using a Permian outcrop.

The value of stratigraphic modeling

In the subsurface, where data control represents a fraction of a percent of the reservoir volume even in the most densely drilled, logged, and cored reservoir, the methodology used to interpret between control points will have an overwhelming influence on the stratigraphic framework, and hence all further petrophysical, geostatistical, and modeling studies. Many geologists have indicated an aversion to using sequence-stratigraphic concepts in 1-D stratigraphic interpretation exercises because they would like to avoid being "model driven". However, the common practice of matching gamma-ray or other log signatures between wells, or attempting to connect like lithofacies as interpreted from well logs, is no less a model driven approach.

Module Authored by:
Charles Kerans
Scott W. Tinker
Bureau of Economic Geology
Jackson School of Geosciences
The University of Texas at Austin

Product Code #930

to Module List

System Requirements