Published in

The Geological Society, Geological Society Special Publications, 1(370), p. 265-275, 2012

DOI: 10.1144/sp370.12

Links

Tools

Export citation

Search in Google Scholar

Relevance of the stochastic stratigraphic well correlation approach for the study of complex carbonate settings: application to the Malampaya buildup (Offshore Palawan, Philippines)

This paper is available in a repository.
This paper is available in a repository.

Full text: Download

Green circle
Preprint: archiving allowed
Orange circle
Postprint: archiving restricted
Red circle
Published version: archiving forbidden
Data provided by SHERPA/RoMEO

Abstract

The stochastic stratigraphic well correlation method considers the stratigraphic correlation of well data as a set of possible models to sample and manage uncertainty in subsurface studies. This method addresses the incompleteness of typical subsurface data such as limited seismic resolution, seismic blindness due to the lack of impedance contrast between distinct stratigraphic formations, borehole preferential location. The stochastic stratigraphic well correlation method is applied to the Malampaya buildup (a well documented offshore gas field located North-West of the Palawan Island, Philippines), aged upper Eocene to lower Miocene, and developed on the crest of a tilt-block. Among the available data, ten wells, seven of which are cored, have been drilled and a high resolution 3D seismic survey was acquired by Shell Philippines in 2002. Previous studies highlight that rock petrophysical properties are mainly controlled by diagenesis. Correlation rules are thus developed in order to adapt the stochastic stratigraphic well correlation method to the study of diagenetic units. These rules are based on wireline log shape and diagenetic units types. Four stratigraphic correlation models are generated using the proposed correlation method: a deterministic one corresponding to the most probable model considering only well data and three stochastic ones. These correlation models are bound with geostatistical methods to build static reservoir models. Synthetic seismic profiles are computed from facies models conditioned to acoustic impedance models. It leads to comparable seismic amplitude images, highlighting the importance of considering several well correlation models for one given seismic survey. Stochastic stratigraphic correlations are shown to have a first order impact on reservoir unit characterization, rock volumes and fluid flow response on the reservoir model.