Deepwater Sands and Petroleum Systems Analysis

Instructors: John M. Armentrout, Ph.D.
Course Length: 5 days
Course CEUs: 4.0

Course Description
Deepwater depositional systems are currently the most active exploration targets for the industry with giant fields discovered in the Gulf of Mexico, Niger Cone, west of Shetlands, West Africa and Southeast Asia. This course emphasizes practical methods for characterizing the deepwater sand play potential, including petroleum system elements of reservoir, seal, source and trap. Play variability is addressed using case histories from various tectonic settings including passive margin, cratonic and rift basins. Depositional system variability discussed include turbidity and debris-flow events, canyon and fan systems and carbonate and mudstone mass-transport complexes.

The course uses hands-on exercises to introduce sequence stratigraphic interpretation methods applied to deepwater depositional systems. Multiple data sets of seismic reflection profiles, wireline logs and biostratigraphic checklists are used to characterize depositional systems and delineate petroleum system elements. Case histories illustrate known reservoir distribution, geometry and production potential. Examples of 3-D seismic attribute extraction on flattened horizons illustrate state-of-the-art delineation of depositional systems for estimating potential reservoir type. Outcrop examples are used to illustrate production scale attributes of deepwater reservoir sands.

Learning Outcomes:

1. To understand transport processes and consequent depositional elements of gravity-flow systems.
2. To review the range of depositional models for deep-water gravity-flow systems
3. To appreciate the range of potential reservoir types along the gravity-flow depositional system and the inherent risk-factors for each type of depositional element: channel, levee, lobe and fan.
4. To be aware of interpretation techniques and the role of sequence stratigraphy in identifying deep-water plays.
5. To appreciate issues of scale and datum in interpretation of data

Who should attend
Exploration and production geoscientists and engineers who desire to enhance their deepwater sand play knowledge. It is structured to facilitate cross discipline communication between the geologists, geophysists, and engineers

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