Abstract
Improved characterization of petroleum reservoirs must include better geologic models in order to predict quantitative attributes of reservoir units. By necessity, petroleum reservoir prediction and modeling must make both interpolations and extrapolations from limited data. Several approaches to modeling of sedimentary rocks include descriptive or conceptual (qualitative) geologic models and geostatistical, simulation (process), and visualization (quantitative) models. Each type of model has its advantages and limitations, including the appropriate scale of application, data requirements, and knowledge as to how the reservoir was formed. All of the models compliment one another, providing views of complex reservoirs from different perspectives. Quantitative modeling potentially can create a more coherent, integrated view of the reservoir than qualitative conceptual models. An optimum model probably includes a combination of approaches based on the extent and type of knowledge about the reservoir.
The examples of stratigraphic simulation and 3D visualization models presented in this paper are based on multilayered oolite units developed in the Upper Pennsylvanian, carbonate-dominated Swope Formation depositional sequence in both the swallow subsurface of eastern Kansas and in the Victory Field in southwestern Kansas. The models discussed in this paper include local and regional scales and quantitative process and visualization types.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution.
Buying options
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Learn about institutional subscriptionsPreview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
French, J.A., and Watney, W.L., 1990, Computer modeling of MidContinent cyclothems and its application in the prediction of hydrocarbon reservoirs (abst.): Am. Assoc. Petroleum Geologists Bull., v. 74, no. 5, p. 657.
French, J.A., and Watney, W.L., 1993, Integrated field, analog, and shelf-scale geologic modeling of oolitic grainstone reservoirs in the upper Pennsylvanian Kansas City Group in Kansas, inLineville, B., ed., Reservoir characterization III: PennWell Books, Tulsa, Oklahoma, p. 983 – 993.
Goldhammer, R.K., Oswald, E.J., and Dunn, P.A., 1991, Hierarchy of stratigraphic forcing: Example from Middle Pennsylvanian shelf carbonates of the Paradox basin, inFranseen, E.K., Watney, W.L., Kendall, C.G.St.C, and Ross, W., eds., Sedimentary modeling: computer simulations and methods for improved parameter definition: Kansas Geol. Survey Bull. 233, p. 361 – 413.
Goldhammer, R.K., Lehmann, P.J., and Dunn, P.A., 1993, The origin of high-frequency platform carbonate cycles and third-order sequences (Lower Ordovician El Paso Group, West Texas): Constraints from outcrop data and stratigraphic modeling: Jour. Sed. Pet, v. 63, no. 3, p. 318 – 359.
Heckel, P.H., 1986, Sea-level curve for Pennsylvanian eustatic marine transgressive-regressive depositional cycles along midcontinent outcrop belt, North America: Geology, v. 14, no. 4, p. 330 – 334.
Klein, G.deV., 1990, Pennsylvanian time scales and cycle periods: Geology, v. 18, no. 5, p. 455 – 457.
Lucia, F.J., and Conti, R.D., 1987, Rock fabric, permeability, and log relationships in an upward shoaling, vuggy carbonate sequence: Texas Bur. Economic Geology, Geol. Circ. 87–5, 22 p.
Watney, W.L., Wong, J.C., and French, J.A., 1991, Computer simulation of Upper Pennsylvanian (Missourian) carbonate-dominated cycles in western Kansas (United States), inFranseen, E.K., Watney, W.L., Kendall, C.G.St.C, and Ross, W., eds.: Sedimentary modeling: computer simulations and methods for improved parameter definition: Kansas Geol. Survey Bull. 233, p. 415 – 430.
Watney, W.L., French, J.A., Guy, W.J., Carlson, R, and Wong, J.C., 1993, Geological characterization of oolitic grainstone reservoirs in the Upper Pennsylvanian Lansing-Kansas City groups in Victory Field and near-surface analog in Kansas, inReservoir description workshop: Energy Research Technology Transfer Series 93–1, p. 159 – 190.
Watney, W.L, and others, 1994, Depositional sequence analysis and sedimentologie modeling for improved prediction of Pennsylvanian reservoirs, Final Report, U.S. DOE Contract DOE/BC/14434-13, 212 p. + attachments, 212 p. +figs.
Youle, J.C., Watney, W.L., and Lambert, L.L., 1994, Stratal hierarchy and sequence stratigraphy -- Middle Pennsylvanian, southwestern Kansas, U.S.A., in, Klein, G.D., ed., Pangea: paleoclimate, tectonics, and sedimentation during accretion, zenith, and breakup of a supercontinent: Geol. Soc. America Spec. Paper 288, p. 267–285.
Zeller, D.E., ed., 1968, The stratigraphic succession in Kansas: Kansas Geol. Survey Bull. 189, 81 p.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1996 Plenum Press, New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Watney, W.L., French, J.A., Guy, W.J. (1996). Modeling Petroleum Reservoirs in Pennsylvanian Strata of the MidContinent, USA. In: Geologic Modeling and Mapping. Computer Applications in the Earth Sciences. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0363-3_3
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0363-3_3
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-0-306-45293-2
Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-0363-3
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive