Carbonate Reservoir Program
- Geologic controls on pore system architecture (improve recovery factors and resource assessments)
- Characterization and modeling from outcrop analogous (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, NW Java Basin)
- Sequence and seismic stratigraphy (NW Australian Shelf; Guadalupe Mtns and Permian Basin, Texas; Jurassic Smackover, Ala.; Peru)
- Microbial carbonate evolution and diagenesis (Brazil and Utah)
- Reservoir quality
Geological Controls on Pore System Evolution Improve in Recovery Factors
Carbonate pore systems has been studied for well over 100 years due to the complexity of their structure and evolution. However, many problems have not yet been solved, including the effect of dolomitization, fracturing and silicification processes. These processes directly affect the reservoir quality, requiring a better understanding in order to manage oil and gas reservoirs. This research area concentrates on the role of diagenesis in the enhancement of the pore systems in case studies worldwide.
Carbonate Reservoir Characterization and Modeling from Outcrop Analogues
Three-dimensional modeling is a useful visualization tool to understand realistic facies distribution and depositional geometries. These parameters control porosity and permeability and, therefore, reservoir quality. Many different techniques, including satellite images and digital elevation models, generate a facies distribution and provide reservoir analogues to evaluate potential reservoirs. The research focuses on a better understanding of the geometries, shape and sizes of the carbonate deposits.
Sequence Stratigraphy and Seismic Geomorphology
High-resolution sequence and seismic stratigraphy provide new insights into the depositional and diagenetic characteristics of carbonate successions. These insights are directly applicable to computerized reservoir modeling and characterization.
Late Paleozoic Carbonate Petroleum Systems Opportunity for Exploration
The Carboniferous and Permian periods produced Pangea, which resulted in forming extensive sedimentary basins and developing major Gondwanan glaciation. In South America, Upper Paleozoic strata were deposited extensively over cratonic areas and in intracratonic basins, but in many areas these are poorly documented, although they do have significant petroleum potential. Brazil, Bolivia, Peru and the southern United States contain significant source and reservoir rocks.
Our current work focuses on
- developing a better understanding of the Late Paleozoic succession in South America, including basin setting (paleogeography and paleoceanography), carbonate facies distribution and cyclicity
- improving the stratigraphic resolution using biostratigraphy and stable isotopes
- linking sedimentology with organic geochemistry as potential source rocks in carbonate successions
