Detection of hydrocarbons in reefs using AVO: case history from Alberta, Canada

Conference · Sat Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6027315

Miles, D; Gassaway, G; Brown, R; Bennett, L; Bainer, R

Four common depth points for seismic lines on a Mesozoic reef complex in Alberta, Canada, were analyzed using SAMPLE, an amplitude vs. offset inversion. The locations varied from fore reef facies to back reef facies including two locations in the productive porosity of the main reef. SAMPLE analysis of the first location showed a tight shaly limestone of the Waterways Formation corresponding to the lime mud in front of the reef complex. In the reef complex, both the analyses showed hydrocarbons in the Swan Hills Formation. In the back reef location, the AVO inversion showed tight limestones with no hydrocarbons present. Thus, amplitude vs. offset inversion. SAMPLE, can determine whether the zone of interest is a tight limestone or shaly limestone, and that it is wet. SAMPLE also indicates the presence of hydrocarbons in limestones at the second and third locations on the productive reef. Thus, amplitude vs. offset inversion can distinguish between hydrocarbon-bearing and nonhydrocarbon-bearing zones on the basis of interval velocity and Poisson's ratio.

• Research Organization: Terra Linda Group, Boulder, CO (USA)
• OSTI ID: 6027315
• Report Number(s): CONF-8905132-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States) Journal Volume: 73:4
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
ALBERTA
CANADA
CARBONATE ROCKS
EXPLORATION
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FORMATIONS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
LIMESTONE
MINERAL RESOURCES
NORTH AMERICA
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
REEFS
RESOURCES
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
SURVEYS