Heterogeneous Reservoirs – Conventional and Fractured Reservoir Analogs – Central Wyoming Field Course (4 Day)
- Disciplines
- Multi-Disciplinary
- Category
- Conventional Reservoir • Development • Field Course • Geomechanics • Intermediate - Prerequisite Training or Skill • Reservoir Characterization
- Format
- Field Course
- Available
- Public • Private
Who Should Attend
Geologists, Reservoir Engineers, Petrophysicists, Geophysicists, Geomodellers, Technical Managers and Team Leads
Description
Central Wyoming provides one of the best natural laboratories to observe analogs for numerous reservoir types and contains world-class exposures of naturally fractured reservoirs. On this trip, participants will observe key reservoirs that produce hydrocarbons in the Rocky Mountain region. The trip is designed for integrated teams of geoscientists and engineers to visualize and actively discuss key reservoir elements. Each location and stop highlights significant issues or heterogeneities and provides talking points for integrated teams to better appreciate the challenges the observed features present to hydrocarbon development.
Learning Outcomes
· Baseline terminology and understanding for key geologic elements to improve communication between disciplines
· Interactive team discussions for each field trip stop emphasizing reservoir elements and challenges being viewed
· Observe world-class analogs for key reservoir elements in Rocky Mountain reservoirs
· Learn the value of conceptual models for populating reservoir models and appreciate the complexities of heterogeneous reservoirs
Course Content
Day 0: Arrival, Safety and Course Overview
Overnight Hilton Garden Inn Casper: 1150 Poplar St., Casper WY 82601
Day 1 (AM): Geologic Background and Introduction of Heterogeneous Reservoirs
Meet: Hotel Meeting Room
· Where are we and why are we here?
o Structural styles of the Rocky Mountains
o Regional elements meet the reservoir elements
o Overview of petroleum systems of the Wyoming Cratonic Foreland
· Heterogeneous conventional reservoirs – key elements that impact development
o Aeolian reservoirs (e.g., Weber, Tensleep, Nugget)
o Fluvial reservoirs (e.g., Dakota, Frontier, Fort Union and Lance)
o Carbonate reservoirs (e.g., Madison, Bighorn)
· Fractured Reservoirs – key elements and distinguishing features that impact development
o Fractured reservoir types – Type 1, 2, and 3
o Naturally fractured reservoirs
§ Definitions and terminology
§ Relationship between fractures and structural domains
§ Impact of fractures on reservoir permeability
o Mechanical stratigraphy and the relationship to fracture development
o Fractures within a mechanical stratigraphic framework: Examples from logs, core and outcrop
Day 1 (PM): Field Excursion: Casper Mountain and Emigrant Gap Anticline (PM)
· Casper Mountain
o Regional overview of and Rocky Mountain structural deformation
o Discuss the role of uplifts and geopressure
o Inherited structures and regional shear zones related to Precambrian features
· Emigrant Gap Anticline
o 3D complexity of the intersection of structural domains
o Challenges of seismic interpretation and 3D model building
Day 2 (All Day): Alcova Reservoir and Fremont Canyon Field Excursion
This field day will combine light hiking to overview locations and visiting specific reservoir elements using pontoon boats on Alcova Reservoir. Presentation of key elements and discussion of heterogeneous reservoir elements will be a critical aspect of this day.
· Fremont Canyon: Bottom up geology of Wyoming, including:
o Fractured Precambrian basement
o Ordovician Bighorn Dolomite
o Mississippian Madison Limestone reservoir and paleokarst system
o Undeformed Pennsylvanian Tensleep aeolian sandstone reservoir (Weber equivalent)
· Alcova Anticline: 2D deformation within the Tensleep Fm.
o Basement-involved, fault-propagation folds
o Look into the reservoir – reservoir elements of an eolian sandstone and natural fracture distribution in “cross section”
o Constructing complex fracture and reservoir models
o Diagenetic changes related to fault-propagation folding – fractures as “friends” and/or “foes”
Day 3 (All Day): Alcova Anticline, Mowry Fractures, Madison Paleokarst, Nitchie Shear Zone
This field day will combine hiking to overview locations and visiting specific reservoir elements of units listed below:
· Alcova Anticline – Topic: the impact of mechanical stratigraphy on fold geometry and secondary faulting
· Fractured Mowry exposure - natural fractures in unconventional rocks in Cret. Mowry Shale
· Madison Paleokarst zone - Prolific oil producer, CO2 thief or wastewater zone?
· Nitchie Shear Zone (NSZ)– examine the role of Precambrian shear zones on the fluid flow, deposition, heat flow, and structural elements
Day 4 (All Day): Beer Mug and Flat Top Anticlines
This day examines two unique anticlinal structure, deformation elements, and more complex structural fault-propagation folding.
· Check out of hotel in Casper and drive 2.5 miles south
· Beer Mug Anticline – Topic: complex compressional folding, trap door structures and 3D distribution of secondary structures, including fractures. Discuss the importance of balanced cross sections in blind fault tips.
· Flat Top Anticline – Topic: variations in compressional styles and 3D distribution of fractures. Discuss variations in structural deformation, including secondary thrusts and tear faulting.
· Hotel in Laramie – Check-in, clean up, and social drinks while we wrap-up with a summary and key elements discussion (~1 hr)
· Evening Dinner as Group – Wyoming Rib & Chop House, 2415 Grand Ave, Laramie, WY 82070
Day 5 (AM): Drive 2.0 hrs to Denver International Airport – late morning flights
Alternative 0: Drive from Denver on Day 0
Alternative 1: Return to Casper at the end of Day 4 with similar agenda
Alternative 2: Drive to Denver evening of Day 4, wrap up in the field
*Maximum 10 registrations
In-Person
- Length
- 4
Upcoming Events
Check back in periodically for updated Public and Live Online course dates!
In-House
This course is also available as a private, onsite course upon request. Contact us for details and pricing.
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