Seismic and Well Log Attribute Analysis of the Jurassic Entrada/Curtis Interval Within the North Hill Creek 3D Seismic Survey, Uinta Basin, Utah, A Case History

3D seismic attribute analysis of the Jurassic Entrada/Curtis interval within the North Hill Creek (NHC) survey has been useful in delineating reservoir quality eolian-influenced dune complexes. Amplitude, average reflection strength and spectral decomposition appear to be most useful in locating reservoir quality dune complexes, outlining their geometry and possibly displaying lateral changes in thickness. Cross sectional views displaying toplap features likely indicate an unconformity between Entrada clinoforms below and Curtis planar beds above. This relationship may aid the explorationist in discovering this important seismic interval. Seismic and well log attribute values were cross plotted and have revealed associations between these data. Cross plots are accompanied by regression lines and R2 values which support our interpretations. Although reservoir quality dune complexes may be delineated, the Entrada/Curtis play appears to be mainly structural. The best producing wells in the survey are associated with structural or stratigraphic relief and the thickest Entrada/Curtis intervals. Structural and stratigraphic traps are not always associated with laterally extensive dune complexes. Time structure maps as well as isochron maps have proven useful in delineating the thickest and/or gas prone portions of the Entrada/Curtis interval as well as areas with structural and stratigraphic relief. We have observed that the zones of best production are associated with low gamma ray (40-60 API) values. These low values are associated with zones of high amplitude. Thus, max peak amplitude as a seismic attribute may delineate areas of higher sand content (i.e. dune complexes) whereas zones of low amplitude may represent areas of lower sand content (i.e. muddier interdune or tidal flat facies). Lack of significant average porosity does not seem to be related to a lack of production. In fact, the best producing wells have been drilled in Entrada/Curtis intervals where average porosity is near 4 %. There are however zones within the upper portion of the Entrada/Curtis that are 40 ft. (12.2 m) thick and have porosities between 14% and 20%. By combining derived attribute maps with observed cross plot relationships, it appears that the best producing intervals within the Entrada/Curtis are those associated with high amplitudes, API values from 40-60 and structural relief.

Name thesis:degree_name

MS

Grantor dc:publisher

Brigham Young University - Provo

Author dc:creator

• ONeal, Ryan J.

• Entrada Formation
• Curtis Formation
• North Hill Creek 3D
• seismic
• survey
• seismic attribute
• amplitude
• reflection strength
• phase
• energy half-time
• isochron
• dominant frequency
• well log
• synthetic seismogram
• Geology

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/etd/1025

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarsarchive.byu.edu:etd-2024