Reconstructing the architecture of ancient meander belts by compiling outcrop and subsurface data

Viseras, César; Henares, Saturnina; Yeste, Luis Miguel; García‐García, Fernando

doi:10.1002/9781119424437.ch16

Cited by 7 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 46 publications

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“…Dip tadpoles, together with GR pattern analyses, provide information on the spatial distribution, orientation and dip of the main sedimentary surfaces and structures. Supplementary dip information is also included from four additional wells (MB1 to MB4) described in detail in Viseras et al (2018).…”

Section: Methodology and Data Distributionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…away from the channel-belt axis (Ghinassi et al, 2014;Ielpi & Ghinassi, 2014). Tadpole sets with random azimuth and dip angles, between 5°and 25°, represent the foresets of trough cross-bedding (Donselaar & Schmidt, 2005;Viseras et al, 2018;Yeste et al, 2018). Donselaar & Schmidt (2005) have also identified tadpole patterns with unidirectional azimuths and very low dip angles for crevasse-splay deposits.…”

Section: Implications For Subsurface Predictionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The extensive, sheet‐like Triassic Red Beds succession of the Iberian Meseta, south‐central Spain (the TIBEM of Viseras et al ., 2011; Henares et al ., 2014, 2016a,b; Viseras et al ., 2018; Yeste et al ., 2018) are continental deposits which accumulated during the Tethyan rifting process (Late Permian–Upper Triassic; Sánchez‐Moya et al ., 2004). The study area, located to the east of Alcaraz village (Albacete Province; Fig.…”

Section: Geological Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…From this, realistic models can be generated, that capture both facies at high resolution and the distribution of the heterogeneities within reservoirs. The integrated study of outcrop and subsurface data, known as Outcrop/Behind Outcrop characterization (hereinafter ‘OBO’) (Browne & Slatt, 2002; Slatt et al ., 2011; Viseras et al ., 2018; Yeste et al ., 2018) is the methodology chosen in this paper.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The studied example is a Triassic succession often considered as an outcrop analogue for other hydrocarbon‐productive reservoirs such as the Algerian TAGI (Trias Argilo‐Gréseux Inférieur; Rossi et al ., 2002; Dabrio et al ., 2005; Viseras et al ., 2011; Henares et al ., 2014, 2016a,b; Viseras et al ., 2018; Yeste et al ., 2018). For this reason, the Outcrop/Behind Outcrop workflow has been employed, integrating standard 2D high resolution outcrop data and 3D outcrop data, developed from photogrammetry, with subsurface data from behind the outcrop including cores and core descriptions, Gamma Ray logs and borehole image logs (Yeste et al ., 2018).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reservoir architecture and heterogeneity distribution in floodplain sandstones: Key features in outcrop, core and wireline logs

et al. 2020

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Exploration and production from formations deposited in low-gradient fluvial systems is typically associated with a high degree of uncertainty; a reflection of the inherent characteristics of these environments, notably the dominance of non-reservoir floodplain fines, rapid lateral facies variations and associated heterogeneities at different scales. However, for a field development to be successful it becomes crucial to know the location, geometry, dimensions and connectivity of the most permeable facies, related to the main channel and the associated proximal overbank deposits (crevasse-splay complexes). With the aim of addressing this problem, a multidisciplinary study is presented, combining outcrop data, high-resolution sedimentological descriptions and advanced visualization techniques based on Digital Outcrop Models. This is compared with subsurface data from behind the outcrop (core, gamma ray and borehole image logs). The Mudstone-Sandstone Unit of the Triassic Red Beds of Iberian Meseta formation in southcentral Spain was selected for the present study. The unit is characterized by the lateral and vertical stacking of four architectural elements: (i) channelized sandstone bodies; (ii) asymmetrical sigmoidal-shaped sandstone bodies; (iii) lobe-shaped to sheet-like sandstone bodies; and (iv) sheet-like mudstones. These elements represent meandering channel, crevasse-channel-splay and floodplain sub-environments, comprising a distal, low-gradient meandering fluvial system. Together with well-documented outcrop and core facies, calibrated log responses are also presented for the channel bodies (bell-shape Gamma Ray profile, random azimuths and low to high dip angles), the crevasse-splay bodies (funnel-shape Gamma Ray profile, unidirectional azimuths and low dip angles) and the floodplain deposits (serrated Gamma Ray profile, unidirectional azimuths and very low dip angles). The full integration of outcrop and subsurface datasets has enabled generation of a robust conceptual model with predictive potential when establishing the three-dimensional stacking of facies, distribution of heterogeneities, and the connectivity between reservoir rock geobodies of primary (channel) and secondary (crevasse complex) interest in this type of fluvial reservoir.

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Section: Methodology and Data Distributionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Implications For Subsurface Predictionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Geological Settingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Reservoir architecture and heterogeneity distribution in floodplain sandstones: Key features in outcrop, core and wireline logs

et al. 2020

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Reconstruction of meander‐bend migration from associated channel‐belt architecture recorded in successions of ancient meandering rivers: A case study from the Cretaceous Songliao Basin, China

Lin

Wang

Shan

et al. 2021

The Depositional Record

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Identification of the diverse channel patterns of meander‐bend migration is essential when reconstructing the historical evolution of sedimentary processes in meandering rivers. However, reconstruction of the spatio‐temporal evolution of ancient meandering fluvial deposits for hydrocarbon exploration is difficult due to the limited research on the patterns and styles of meander‐bend migration. To reconstruct the geomorphologic and sedimentary evolution of subsurface meandering palaeochannels, this study proposes an approach based on combining meander‐bend planforms and cross‐sectional architectural elements of clastic sedimentary successions of ancient meandering rivers. The research was applied to meandering fluvial deposits of the lower Cretaceous Quantou Formation in the north‐eastern Songliao Basin, China. High‐resolution satellite images of modern meandering rivers were used to classify and evaluate the meander‐bend planform transformations of expansion, rotation and contraction (also known as bend tightening, i.e. narrowing of the neck of the meander‐bend showing a tendency towards neck tightening or cut‐off). Major meander‐bend transformations were related to cross‐sectional bedding architecture (i.e. bed dipping or bounding surface), which was identified through well‐log and core characteristics, to construct the migration patterns of subsurface meander‐belt deposits. Integration of well‐log and core analysis from a dense array of wells allowed the stratigraphic architecture of ancient meandering rivers and stacking patterns of fluvial sandbodies to be characterised. Furthermore, major reservoir architectural elements and bounding surfaces of meandering channels were identified. Ultimately, the 3D meandering fluvial architecture was represented on 2D vertical sections so that, planform transformations and the evolutionary processes of point bars and meander bends could be elucidated. Reconstruction of meander‐bend migration is of practical value for deciphering ancient fluvial systems and the development of subsurface fluvial reservoir models.

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Tidal versus fluvial point bars: Key features from the integration of outcrop, core and wireline log information of Triassic examples

Yeste,

Gil‐Ortiz,

García‐García

et al. 2024

The Depositional Record

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The Triassic red beds of the Tabular Cover of the Iberian Meseta are an excellent reservoir outcrop analogue, a direct consequence of high‐quality exposures, which offer exceptional three‐dimensional outcrops, as well as a wide variability of depositional environments. Fluvial and transitional with tide‐influenced and wave‐influenced settings are recognised. Three point bar geobodies of similar scale, but influenced by different processes, were selected from this succession. Point bar geobody 1 was influenced by purely fluvial processes while geobodies 2 and 3 were tide‐influenced. Both types of geobody were developed as point bar deposits in sinuous channels. A fully integrated study was carried out on these geobodies, utilising both outcrop and subsurface‐based approaches, to characterise the key differences between fluvial and tidal point bars in the sedimentary record. The outcrop‐based component involved traditional field data collection methods alongside digital techniques and data capture, including the use of digital outcrop models. Additionally, subsurface‐based methods were employed, utilising core and wireline logs obtained from wells drilled in close proximity to the outcrop. The integration of these approaches aims to accurately differentiate the depositional settings of the three different geobodies, which while apparently very similar in many key respects also exhibit considerable differences when considered from the perspective of subsurface management of potentially similar geobodies. This study also emphasises the need to clearly distinguish high‐sinuosity deposits based on their depositional sub‐environment in order to properly evaluate their potential for subsurface management. Additionally, it highlights the presence and importance of internal baffles that may well influence fluid migration and indeed even compartmentalise geobodies. Three point bar geobodies of similar scale, but influenced by different processes, have been selected in this succession. A fully integrated study was carried out on these geobodies, utilising both outcrop‐based and subsurface‐based approaches, to characterise the key differences between fluvial and tidal point bars in the sedimentary record.

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Reconstructing the architecture of ancient meander belts by compiling outcrop and subsurface data

Cited by 7 publications

References 46 publications

Reservoir architecture and heterogeneity distribution in floodplain sandstones: Key features in outcrop, core and wireline logs

Reservoir architecture and heterogeneity distribution in floodplain sandstones: Key features in outcrop, core and wireline logs

Reconstruction of meander‐bend migration from associated channel‐belt architecture recorded in successions of ancient meandering rivers: A case study from the Cretaceous Songliao Basin, China

Tidal versus fluvial point bars: Key features from the integration of outcrop, core and wireline log information of Triassic examples

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