Capturing stratigraphic and sedimentological complexity from submarine channel complex outcrops to digital 3D models, Karoo Basin, South Africa

Pringle, Jamie K.; Brunt, Rufus L.; Hodgson, David M.; Flint, Stephen S.

doi:10.1144/1354-079309-028

Cited by 41 publications

(25 citation statements)

References 53 publications

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“…Constituent remnant channel elements show an eastward stepping stacking pattern, with channel margin material preferentially preserved to the west. This channel complex has been correlated to a channel complex at the Old Rubbish Dump (Pringle et al, 2010) exposed 10 km (6 mi) downdip (CC3; Figure 9), where channel elements record a similar eastward stepping with extensive channel margin material also preserved toward the west. Both channel complexes cut down to the stratigraphic level of base subunit C1.…”

Section: Time Slice 3: Channel Complexmentioning

confidence: 88%

“…The lack of exposed channel margin deposits and channel element-scale surfaces means that the geometry of this channel complex is poorly constrained. It has been correlated to the youngest, asymmetric channel complex cropping out at the Old Rubbish Dump (Pringle et al, 2010) (CC4; Figure 9) on the north limb. The asymmetry of constituent channel elements here suggests that the channel complex was weakly sinuous in planform.…”

Section: Time Slice 4: Channel Complexmentioning

confidence: 97%

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Integrating outcrop and subsurface data to assess the temporal evolution of a submarine channel–levee system

et al. 2016

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The morphological evolution of submarine channel systems can be documented using high-resolution three-dimensional seismic data sets. However, these studies provide limited information on the distribution of sedimentary facies within channel fills, channelscale stacking patterns, or the detailed stratigraphic relationship with adjacent levee-overbank deposits. Seismic-scale outcrops of unit C2 in the Permian Fort Brown Formation, Karoo Basin, South Africa, on two subparallel fold limbs comprise thin-bedded successions, interpreted as external levee deposits, which are adjacent to channel complexes, with constituent channels filled with thick-bedded structureless sandstones, thinner-bedded channel margin facies, and internal levee deposits. Research boreholes intersect all these deposits, to link sedimentary facies and channel stacking patterns identified in core and on image logs and detailed outcrop correlation panels. Key characteristics, including depth of erosion, stacking patterns, and cross-cutting relationships, have been constrained, allowing paleogeographic reconstruction of six channel complexes in a 36-km 2 (14-mi 2 ) area. The system evolved from an early, deeply incised channel complex, through a series of external levee-confined and laterally stepping channel complexes culminating in an aggradational channel complex confined by both internal and external levees. Down-dip divergence of six channel complexes from the same location suggests the presence of a unique example of an exhumed deep-water avulsion node. Down-dip, external levees are supplied by flows that escaped from channel complexes of different ages and spatial positions and are partly confined and share affinities with internal levee successions. The absence of frontal lobes suggests that the channels remained in sand bypass mode immediately after avulsion.

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Section: Time Slice 3: Channel Complexmentioning

confidence: 88%

Section: Time Slice 4: Channel Complexmentioning

confidence: 97%

Integrating outcrop and subsurface data to assess the temporal evolution of a submarine channel–levee system

et al. 2016

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“…This results in totally different petrophysical properties and a poor analogue, although important lessons can be learnt about the relative permeability structure of given facies. The collection of spectral gamma-ray data using a hand-held spectrometer (Davies & Elliott 1996;Martinius et al 2002) or the production of synthetic wireline logs from outcrop data (Pringle et al 2010) also have value in relating the outcrop to the subsurface,…”

Section: Limitations Of Outcrop Analoguesmentioning

confidence: 99%

The application of outcrop analogues in geological modelling: a review, present status and future outlook

2014

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Analogues, especially outcrop analogues, have played a central role in improving understanding of subsurface reservoir architectures. Analogues provide important information on geobody size, geometry and potential connectivity. The historical application of outcrop analogues for understanding geobody distributions in reservoirs is reviewed, from the pioneering work of the 1960s to the high-tech virtual outcrop methodologies of today. Four key types of analogue data are identified: hard data, which describe the dimensions and geometry of the geobody; soft data, which describe the conceptual relationships between different geobody types; training images, which record the dimensions, proportions and spatial relationship; and analogue production data, which are taken from direct subsurface production analogues. The use of these different data types at different stages of the geomodelling workflow is discussed and the potential sources of error considered. Finally, a review of geobody and analogue studies in different clastic environments is discussed with reference to selected previous work and the range of papers in the current volume.Over the last 30 years, computer-based, geocellular models have become a routinely used tool for understanding subsurface reservoirs (Budding & Inglin 1981; review in Keogh et al. 2007). Such models are typically built to aid field development and reservoir management business decisions, but also serve the purpose of integrating disparate scales and types of subsurface data, and visualizing complex three-dimensional (3D) distributions of rocks and fluids. Since the application of early modelling tools, to the present day, it has been common practice to supplement sparse subsurface datasets (e.g. wells and seismic) with data and concepts derived from reservoir analogues. The intention of this process is to generate more accurate representations of the subsurface than would otherwise be possible. Considerable effort has been expended in recent years by industry and academia on the description of reservoir analogues for this purpose. This paper examines the challenges inherent in selection and application of appropriate analogue data, particularly quantitative datasets, during construction of geological models.The most commonly used type of analogue is the outcrop, where information on geometric data that are limited in the subsurface is more readily available in cliff sections. Analogues may also include subsurface data but this is less common. This aspect is considered briefly in this review. The perspective on the application of analogues as discussed here is with regard to sedimentology and stratigraphy applied to hydrocarbon reservoir analysis, and the insights that 3D facies models bring to the distribution of petrophysical properties that control hydrocarbon flow. The discussion is based on clastic systems, but many of the aspects described are equally as applicable to carbonates, although they are not discussed explicitly here. Other branches of subsurface modelling, no...

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“…Traditional outcrop description techniques, augmented by Light Detection and Ranging and Ground Penetrating Radar, enable the construction of realistic 3D digital and seismic models that can be applied to the subsurface (e.g. Pringle et al 2010;Stright et al 2014). However, although channel-base shale drapes and muddy debrite bodies have been identified as having a critical control on channel connectivity and reservoir performance (Li & Caers 2007;Barton et al 2010;Funk et al 2012;Alpak et al 2013), other heterogeneities, particularly towards the channel margins, such as fine-grained low-density turbidite partings, deposits of fluid muds, and partly eroded shales associated with minor abandonment and flooding surfaces are under-represented, or lack detail, in descriptions of outcrop analogues and are poorly imaged in shallow seismic data.…”

Section: Evolving Geological Conceptsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tertiary deep-marine reservoirs of the North Sea region: an introduction

McKie

Rose²,

Hartley

et al. 2015

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Capturing stratigraphic and sedimentological complexity from submarine channel complex outcrops to digital 3D models, Karoo Basin, South Africa

Cited by 41 publications

References 53 publications

Integrating outcrop and subsurface data to assess the temporal evolution of a submarine channel–levee system

Integrating outcrop and subsurface data to assess the temporal evolution of a submarine channel–levee system

The application of outcrop analogues in geological modelling: a review, present status and future outlook

Tertiary deep-marine reservoirs of the North Sea region: an introduction

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