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

Conference · Sat Apr 01 00:00:00 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-
• Journal Information: AAPG (Am. Assoc. Pet. Geol.) Bull.; (United States), Vol. 73:4; Conference: AAPG-SEPM-SEG-SPWLA Pacific Section annual meeting, Palm Springs, CA, USA, 10 May 1989
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
ALBERTA
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
EXPLORATION
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LIMESTONE
REEFS
SEISMIC SURVEYS
CANADA
CARBONATE ROCKS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
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020200* - Petroleum- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration