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3D Seismic Reflection Amplitude and Instantaneous Frequency Attributes in Mapping Thin Hydrocarbon Reservoir Lithofacies: Morrison NE Field and Morrison Field, Clark County, KS

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Abstract

Thin hydrocarbon reservoir facies pose resolution challenges and waveform-signature opportunities in seismic reservoir characterization and prospect identification. In this study, we present a case study, where instantaneous frequency variation in response to a thin hydrocarbon pay zone is analyzed and integrated with other independent information to explain drilling results and optimize future drilling decisions. In Morrison NE Field, some wells with poor economics have resulted from well-placement incognizant of reservoir heterogeneities. The study area in Clark County, Kanas, USA, has been covered by a surface 3D seismic reflection survey in 2010. The target horizon is the Viola limestone, which continues to produce from 7 of the 12 wells drilled within the survey area. Seismic attributes extraction and analyses were conducted with emphasis on instantaneous attributes and amplitude anomalies to better understand and predict reservoir heterogeneities and their control on hydrocarbon entrapment settings. We have identified a higher instantaneous frequency, lower amplitude seismic facies that is in good agreement with distinct lithofacies that exhibit better (higher porosity) reservoir properties, as inferred from well-log analysis and petrographic inspection of well cuttings. This study presents a pre-drilling, data-driven approach of identifying sub-resolution reservoir seismic facies in a carbonate formation. This workflow will assist in placing new development wells in other locations within the area. Our low amplitude high instantaneous frequency seismic reservoir facies have been corroborated by findings based on well logs, petrographic analysis data, and drilling results.

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Fig. 1

(Modified after Richardson 2013)

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(Adjusted from http://www.kshs.org, 2015)

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(http://www.kgs.ku.edu/PRS/County/abc/clark.html: accessed, September 2016)

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(Modified after Cole 1975)

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Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Dan Reynolds of Coral Coast Petroleum of Wichita, Kansas, USA, for his assistance in providing data and expertise to the project.

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  1. Department of Geology, Kansas State University, 108 Thompson Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66502, USA

    Abdelmoneam Raef, Matthew Totten, Andrew Vohs & Aria Linares

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  1. Abdelmoneam Raef
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  2. Matthew Totten
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Correspondence to Abdelmoneam Raef.

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Raef, A., Totten, M., Vohs, A. et al. 3D Seismic Reflection Amplitude and Instantaneous Frequency Attributes in Mapping Thin Hydrocarbon Reservoir Lithofacies: Morrison NE Field and Morrison Field, Clark County, KS. Pure Appl. Geophys. 174, 4379–4394 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00024-017-1664-1

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