Integrated Stratigraphic Methods (GEO57)

Description

This course covers the concepts, methods and applications of modern stratigraphy, with respect to reservoir characterisation, facies model and applied sequence stratigraphy. It will particularly emphasise the integration of different disciplines in order to characterise the sedimentary basins and to reduce the uncertainties. The course is designed to describe and analyse both clastic and carbonate reservoirs, their internal facies architectures, using also case histories and exercises from field analogues. Well-log data and core example, well correlation and applied seismic stratigraphy will support the learning.

Course Level: Skill / Advanced
Duration: 5 days
Instructor: Simonetta Cirilli

Designed for you, if you are...

A geologist, geophysicist or reservoir engineer, keen to understand the methodology for applying sequence stratigraphy to correlation, facies analysis and delineation of stratigraphic traps

How we build your confidence

Overview of study principles and methodology
Discussions of recent developments and significant applications
Case histories that demonstrate the applications and efficacy of stratigraphic and related techniques
Application of sequence stratigraphy to carbonate and clastic settings, based on the description of outcrops and core logs that can be used to predict source rock, reservoir and seal distributions within a basin
Consideration of the diagenetic processes that affect carbonate and clastic sediments and how the integration of diagenesis and sequence stratigraphy can provide a better way of predicting reservoir quality

The benefits from attending

By the end of the course you will feel confident in your understanding of:

The concepts and practical applications of sequence stratigraphy for petroleum exploration
How to recognise facies assemblages from outcrops and core data and to reconstruct facies architecture
The limitations of litho-correlation and the benefits of chrono-correlation and integrated stratigraphic methods
Relative sea-level changes and their effect on the distribution of source, reservoirs and seal rocks

Topics

Introduction
- Applications of modern stratigraphy in hydrocarbon exploration and development
Basic concepts of stratigraphy
- Principles of stratigraphy
- Walther’s Law
- Facies belts
Facies concept
- Facies stratigraphy and facies association applied to the hydrocarbon distribution
Stratal geometry and stratal terminations
- Different types of unconformity
- Correlative conformity
Integrated stratigraphic methods
- Stratigraphic classification, terminology and procedure
- Litostratigraphy
- Biostratigraphy
- Chronostratigraphy
- Geomagnetic polarity time scale
- Radiogenic isotope geochronology
- Chemostratigraphy (carbon, oxygen and strontium isotope stratigraphy)
- Cyclostratigraphy
- Other methods
- Defining chronostratigraphic correlations
Basic concepts and terminology of sequence stratigraphy
- Systems tracts and standardisation of sequence stratigraphy
- Sequence models
- Hierarchy of sequences, sequence boundaries and their identification
- Drowning unconformities (“Type-3 sequence boundaries”) and source rocks
- Integrates current concepts on interaction of tectonics, sea level and sediment supply
- Recognition criteria for the identification of depositional sequences and their components in outcrops and cores
- Application of sequence stratigraphy in siliciclastic and carbonate depositional settings
- Linking diagenesis to sequence stratigraphy as integrated tool for understanding and predicting reservoir quality distribution
- Methods of sequence stratigraphic analysis: outcrop, core and well logs data; workflow of sequence stratigraphic analysis