Deep-Water Sedimentation 2001 (Fosi - Deepwater)

Proceedings of FOSI 2nd Regional Seminar
Hotel Mulia Senayan, Jakarta, Indonesia

May 14-16, 2001
Deep-water Sedimentation
of Southeast Asia
Editors:
Aris Setiawan (VICO Indonesia)
Herman Darman (Brunei Shell Petroleum)
Mohammad Syaiful (Lasmo Indonesia)
F. Hasan Sidi (Conoco Indonesia)
of Southeast Asia
of Southeast Asia
Editors:
Aris Setiawan (VICO Indonesia)
Herman Darman (Brunei Shell Petroleum)
F. Hasan Sidi (Conoco Indonesia)
Mohammad Syaiful (Lasmo Indonesia)
PRINTED IN INDONESIA
Copyright @2001
FOSI Indonesian Sedimentologists Forum
ISBN 979-96438-0-5
FOSI grants permission for photocopies of all items from this book for personal and academic use. Authorization for profit-
oriented copies is granted by FOSI.
About the Editors
Aris Setiawan received his BSc degree in geology from Gadjah Mada University in 1990 and joined PT Elnusa
Schlumberger after graduation. Since 1991, he joined VICO Indonesia, where he worked on various field development
in Sanga-sanga Block, East Kalimantan. He received Master of Management degree from Atmajaya University in 1996.
During 1996, he was assigned to work on regional venture with PT VICO Enterprises Indonesia. He pursues his Master
degree in geology from the Monash University - Australia, with a research on tectonic evolution and extensional basin
modeling, during 1997-1998. His research received 1997 PESA (Petroleum Exploration Society of Australia) Student
Research Scholarship Award. Currently, he works as senior geologist for VICO Indonesia. His responsibilities ranging
from integrated geology and geophysical interpretation for reservoir management of complex deltaic depositional
facies. Aris is member of IPA, AAPG, IAGI and FOSI.
Herman Darman is a regional geologist of Brunei Shell Petroleum. He received his BSc from the Institute of
Technology, Bandung (ITB) in 1991 and MSc from Aberdeen University (UK). He has worked as a field geologist for
Lasmo, evaluation geologist and new business development geologist for Shell Indonesia. Herman has recently edited
An outline of the geology of Indonesia book and Tectonics and Sedimentation of Indonesia proceedings together
with Hasan Sidi. His interests are in sedimentology and tectonics of Asia Pacific region. He is now a FOSIs bulletin
editor, AAPGs visiting geologist program, and active member of SEPM, IAS, and EAPG.
Mohammad Syaiful was graduated in geology from Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) in 1991. He had been
involved for a couple years in coal exploration (field mapping) when was a student. After obtaining his B.Sc. degree, he
spent more than five years doing surface geological mapping for petroleum exploration. Syaiful is currently working for
LASMO Companies in Indonesia. He is also member of IAGI, IPA, and AAPG. He has been active in FOSI since late
1998 as a treasurer and membership manager.
F. Hasan Sidi joined the exploration department of Conoco Indonesia in early 2000, after 8 years with VICO
Indonesia in Mahakam consession. In early 1998, he finished two master degrees, in geology (emphasizing on
sedimentology and stratigraphy) from Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and in technology management
from Griffith University, Australia. His experience is mainly as a 3D seismic interpreter with responsibilities encompass
erecting sequence stratigraphic, regional structural mapping, seismic modeling, and prospect generation. Hasan has
published several papers of his studies locally and internationally and started his interest in FOSI by being the
periodical editor and followed by helping organizing the regional seminar and guest lecturers. He is currently the
general secretary of FOSI and the editor-in-chief for FOSIs Berita Sedimentologi. He is also as one of the editors for
the proceedings of IPA (Indonesian Petroleum Association) Annual Convention. Hasan is also a member of SEG,
AAPG, IAS, and SEPM.
Technical Program: Oral Session
Tuesday, May 15, 2001
8.00-8.30 Opening Ceremony
8.30-9.00 FX Soejanto Deep-water Opportunities in Indonesia and Vicinity
9.00-9.30 Brad Prather Controls on Reservoir Distribution and Architecture in Slope
Settings: Implications for the Global Deep-water Play
9.30-10.00 A.D. Donovan Physiographic Controls on Basin-Floor Fan Development
K
e
y
n
o
t
e
s
10.00-10.30 Coffee Break
10.30-11.00 Arse Kusumastuti Deep-water Petroleum Provinces of SE Asia, A High Level
Overview
11.00-11.30 Greg Partyka et al. Interpretational Applications of Spectral Decomposition in Reservoir
Characterization
11.30-12.00 Arnold Bouma Geological Architecture and Reservoir Characteristics of Fine-
Grained and Coarse-Grained Turbidite Systems
C
o
n
c
e
p
t
s
12.00-13.00 Luncheon
13.00-13.30 Koesnadi H.S. et al. Sunda Strait Ventilation Role on Sediment Transport And Primary
Productivity in Offshore South Java And Southwest Sumatera
13.30-14.00 Indra Jaya et al. Permeability Distribution in Thin-Bedded Turbidites Sandstones of
Cinambo Formation, West Java
14.00-14.30 Edy Sunardi et al. Facies Analysis of The Cisubuh Formation Outcrops Analogues at
Brebes-Tegal-Pemalang District, Central Java
14.30-15.00 Wartono Rahardjo Depositional Dynamics of mid Tertiary Deep-water Sambipitu and
Oya Formations of Southern Mountains Area, South Central Java
S
u
m
a
t
r
a

a
n
d

J
a
v
a
15.30-16.00 R.J.Morley et al. Biostratigraphy of Deep-water Sequences, A Holistic Approach
16.00-16.30 Parada Devy Silitonga and
Dwi Martono
Petroleum systems and Evolving Seismic Interpretation
Technologies in Makassar Deep Water Exploration
16.30-17.00 Hoang Ngoc Dang & Nguyen
Thanh Tri
Upper Miocene Turbidite Playfairway in the Nam Con Son Basin,
Offshore Vietnam
M
e
t
h
o
d
s
Wednesday, May 16, 2001
8.00-8.30 K. Hemmes et al. Depositional Systems of The Deep-water Tarakan Basin, Indonesia
8.30-9.00 D.A.S. Ranawijaya et al. Litho-biofacies Variations of Modern Deep Water Mahakam: A
Paleoclimatological Preliminary Study on A Stable Thermo-salinity
Environment
9.30-10.00 Jossy Inaray et al. Merah Besar and West Seno Field Discoveries: Example of
Exploration Success on The Slope Environment, Confined Turbidity
Channel Sand, Deep-water Kutei Basin, Indonesia
9.00-9.30 John Dunham and L.D. McKee Hydrocarbon Discoveries in Upper Miocene Unconfined Submarine
Fan Facies, Deep-water Kutei Basin, Indonesia.
M
a
k
a
s
s
a
r
10.30-11.00 R. Heryanto et al. Depositional Environment Of The Late Cretaceous Pitap Group,
Meratus Mountain, Southeast Kalimantan
11.00-11.30 Awang H. Satyana and Imam
Setiawan
Origin of Pliocene Deep-water Sedimentation in Salawati Basin,
Eastern Indonesia: Deposition in Inverted Basin and Exploration
Implications
11.30-12.00 Kuntadi Nugrahanto et al. Submarine-Fan Deposition in The Lower Steenkool Formation,
Bintuni Basin, Irian Jaya, Eastern Indonesia: "Deep-water Reservoir
Potential?"
E
a
s
t
e
r
n

I
n
d
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n
e
s
i
a
12.00-13.00 Luncheon
13.00-13.30 Paul Crevello Turbidite and Deep-water Depositional Systems of Borneo:
Reservoir Models of Basin Floor and Slope Reservoir Fan Systems
13.30-14.00 Zulkefli Abdul Hamid and
Charlie Lee
STRATAGEM Forward Stratigraphic Modelling of The Northwest
Sabah Deep-water Area, Malaysia
14.00-14.30 Baharuddin and R Heryanto Cretaceous Selangkai Formation of West Kalimantan and Its
Tectonic Implication
14.30-15.00 Stefan Back Deep-water Reservoirs Of NW Borneo: Evaluating Potential
Outcrop Analogs
N
W

B
o
r
n
e
o
15.30-16.00 Peter King and G.H. Browne Spectacular Outcrop Analog for Turbidite Reservoirs: The Miocene
Mount Messenger/Urenui Deep-water System, New Zealand
16.00-16.30 K.A.A van Noord Facies and Sequences of A Restricted, Active-Margin Submarine
Fan in A Transgressive Setting, The Devonian Mindip Formation,
Eastern Australia
16.30-17.00 Chandra Suria and Meizarwin Deep-water Systems in the Campos Basin, Brazil: A Comparison to
the Makassar Strait
O
t
h
e
r

A
r
e
a
s
Poster Presentation
Stefan M. Luthi and Alberto Malinverno Reservoir Modelling of Turbidites Using Well Data and Laboratory Experiments
Patrick Allman-Ward and Abdullah Tectonostratigraphic Controls on Turbidite Depositional Processes in Brunei
Y. Yamada - Scientific targets of IODP -New Ocean Drilling Plan
Malvin Bjoroy - Surface Geochemistry As An Exploration Tool in Frontier Deep Water, Areas: Case Studies from South
East Asia
Sartono - Gravity Data Analysis of Ujungpangkah Area - Implication for Structural Evolution And Hydrocarbon Prospect
Sugeng Sapto Suryono et al. - Oligo-Miocene Deep-water Clastic Sediments: Identified from Watugajah and Banyutibo
Stratigraphic Measured Sections Southern Mountain, Yogyakarta
Bayu Handoko and Tigor Yuni Ardi Depositional Environment Of Sambipitu Formation
M. Yohannes P Koesoemo - Pliocene Deep Water Sedimentation of Mundu and Kalibeng Formations in Northeast Java
Basin
Philippe Rabiller et al. - MRGC, A New Clustering Methods that Helps The Sedimentologists To Take Advantage of NMR
and Borehole Imagery to Recognize Sedimentary Facies from Logs
Table of Contents
Preface
Keynotes
Deep-water Opportunities in Indonesia and Vicinity
FX Soejanto
Controls on Reservoir Distribution and Architecture in Slope Settings: Implications for the Global
Deep-water Play
B.E. Prather
Physiographic Controls on Basin-Floor Fan Development
A.D. Donovan
Deep-water Concepts
Deep-water Petroleum Provinces of SE Asia, A High Level Overview.
Arse Kusumastuti
Interpretational Applications of Spectral Decomposition in Reservoir Characterization
Greg Partyka, J ames Gridley, and J ohn Lopez
Geological Architecture And Reservoir Characteristics Of Fine-Grained And Coarse-Grained
Turbidite Systems
Arnold Bouma
Sumatra and Java
Sunda Strait Ventilation Role on Sediment Transport and Primary Productivity in Offshore South
Java and Southwest Sumatera
Koesnadi H.S., D.A.S. Ranawijaya, Yusuf S. Djajadihardja, and M. Wiedicke
Permeability Distribution in Thin-Bedded Turbidites Sandstones of Cinambo Formation, West Java
Indra J aya, Hartanto Hadi Saputro, and Mac Endharto
Facies Analysis of the Cisubuh Formation Outcrops Analogues at Brebes-Tegal-Pemalang District,
Central Java
Edy Sunardi, Billy G. Adhiperdana, Nurdrajat, Nanang Muchsin, Tri Widyo Kunto, and Rudi
Ryacudu
Depositional Dynamics of Mid Tertiary Deep-water Sambipitu and Oya Formations of Southern
Mountains Area, South Central Java
Wartono Rahardjo
Deep-water Methods
Biostratigraphy of Deep-water Sequences, A Holistic Approach
R.J .Morley, H. Pribatini, A.A.H Wonders
Petroleum Systems and Evolving Seismic Interpretation Technologies In Makassar Deep-water
Exploration
Parada Devy Silitonga and Dwi Martono
Upper Miocene Turbidite Playfairway in the Nam Con Son Basin, Offshore Vietnam
Hoang Ngoc Dang &Nguyen Thanh Tri
Makassar
Depositional Systems of The Deep-water Tarakan Basin, Indonesia
Kaj Hemmes, Herman Darman, Leonardus Suffendy, and Meizarwin
Litho-biofacies Variations of Recent-Subrecent Deep-water Sediment of Mahakam Delta: A
Paleoclimatological Preliminary Study on A Stable Thermo-salinity Environment
D.A.S. Ranawijaya, D. Rostyati, N. Sutisna, N.A. Kristanto, Y. Noviadi, E. Usman, N. Cahyo, J .
Widodo, and S. Lubis
Merah Besar and West Seno Field Discoveries: Example of Exploration Success on The Slope
Environment, Confined Turbidity Channel Sand, Deep-water Kutei Basin, Indonesia
J ossy Inaray, Yusak H. Setiawan, Rhys Schneider, J esse T. Noah, and Eko Lumadyo
Hydrocarbon Discoveries in Upper Miocene Unconfined Submarine Fan Facies, Deep-water Kutei
Basin, Indonesia.
J ohn Dunhamand L.D. McKee
Eastern Indonesia
Depositional Environment Of The Late Cretaceous Pitap Group, Meratus Mountain, Southeast
Kalimantan
R. Heryanto et al.
Origin of Pliocene Deep-water Sedimentation in Salawati Basin, Eastern Indonesia: Deposition in
Inverted Basin and Exploration Implications
Awang Satyana and Imam Setiawan
Submarine-Fan Deposition in The Lower Steenkool Formation, Bintuni Basin, Irian Jaya, Eastern
Indonesia: "Deep-water Reservoir Potential?"
Kuntadi Nugrahanto, Scott W. McFall, and Festarina Estella
Northwest Borneo
Turbidite and Deep-water Depositional Systems of Borneo: Reservoir Models of Basin Floor and
Slope Reservoir Fan Systems
Paul Crevello
STRATAGEM Forward Stratigraphic Modelling of The Northwest Sabah Deep-water Area,
Malaysia
Zulkefli Abdul Hamid and Charlie Lee
Cretaceous Selangkai Formation of West Kalimantan and Its Tectonic Implication
Baharuddin and R Heryanto
Deep-water reservoirs of NW Borneo: Evaluating Potential Outcrop Analogs
Stefan Back
Other Areas
Spectacular Outcrop Analog for Turbidite Reservoirs: The Miocene Mount Messenger/Urenui
Deep-water System, New Zealand
P.R. King and G.H. Browne
Facies and Sequences of A Restricted, Active-Margin Submarine Fan in A Transgressive Setting,
The Devonian Mindip Formation, Eastern Australia
K.A.A van Noord
Deep-water Systems in the Campos Basin, Brazil: A Comparison to the Makassar Strait
Chandra Suria and Meizarwin
Poster Session
Reservoir Modeling of Turbidites Using Well Data and Laboratory Experiments
Stefan M. Luthi and Alberto Malinverno
Tectonostratigraphic Controls on Turbidite Depositional Processes in Brunei
Patrick Allman-Ward, J an Pieter Tromp and Abdullah B. Ibrahim
Scientific Targets of IODP -New Ocean Drilling Plan
Y. Yamada
Surface Geochemistry As An Exploration Tool in Frontier, Deep-water Areas. Case Studies from
South East Asia
Malvin Bjoroy
Gravity Data Analysis of Ujungpangkah Area - Implication for Structural Evolution and
Hydrocarbon Prospect
Sartono
Oligo-Miocene Deep-water Clastic Sediments: Identified from Watugajah and Banyutibo
Stratigraphic Measured Sections Southern Mountain, Yogyakarta
Sugeng Sapto Suryono et al.
Depositional Environment Of Sambipitu Formation
Bayu Handoko and Tigor Yuni Ardi
Pliocene Deep-water Sedimentation of Mundu and Kalibeng Formations in Northeast Java Basin
M. Yohannes P Koesoemo
MRGC, A New Clustering Methods that Helps The Sedimentologists to Take Advantage of NMR
and Borehole Imagery to Recognize Sedimentary Facies from Logs
Philippe Rabiller et al.
Deep-water Sedimentation of Southeast Asia
The 2nd FOSI Seminar
Committee Members
ADVISORS
Patrick Allman-Ward (Brunei Shell) - Dennis Brock (ExxonMobil)
Kris Budiono (Marine Geological Inst.) - Graham Goffey (Lasmo) - Soejono Martodjojo (ITB)
Dwi Martono (Pertamina) - Wartono Rahardjo (UGM) - Hans Schwing (Unocal)
Martin Stauble (Shell Sabah Berhad) - Chandra Suria (BP) - Surono (GRDC)
CONVENER
F. Hasan Sidi (Conoco) and Herman Darman (Shell)
SECRETARY
Arse Kusumastuti (Lasmo)
TECHNICAL PROGRAM
Aris Setiawan (VICO) Agus Guntoro (Trisakti)
ORAL SESSION
Jossy Inaray (Unocal) Kustomo Hasan (P3G)
POSTER SESSIONANDSHORT COURSE
Iwan Busono (Lasmo) Kuntadi Nugrahanto (BP)
FIELDTRIP
Chandra Tiranda (Amerada Hess) Deddy Sebayang (Lasmo)
LOGISTIC COORDINATOR
Mohammad Syaiful (Lasmo)
SPONSHORSHIP
Marijke Pulunggono (Santa Fe) Nila Murti (Premier)
EVENT COORDINATOR
Frank Sinartio (Repsol-YPF)
REGISTRATION
Sherry Pambayuning (Lasmo) - Tati M Sahea (Schlumberger) - Fajar Hendrasto (Trisakti)
List of Sponsors
Western-Geco
Gulf Indonesia Resources Ltd
Conoco Indonesia Inc. Ltd
Amerada Hess
Lasmo
Unocal
Repsol YPF _ Southeast Sumatra
Pertamina
TotalFinaElf
Veritas
BG Indonesia
Exspan Nusantara
Santa Fe Energy Resources Ltd
Santos (Bentu No.2) Pty Ltd.
Premier Oil
DEEP-WATER SEDIMENTATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIA
FOSI (Indonesian Sedimentologists Forum), 2
nd
Regional Seminar
Mulia Hotel, Jakarta 14-16 May 2001
Deep-water Sedimentation of Southeast Asia:
Foreword
F. Hasan Sidi
1
1
FOSI General Secretary
INTRODUCTION
First of all, many thanks for the support of FOSIs second regional seminar, Deep-water
Sedimentation of Southeast Asia here in Jakarta. We rely the seminar heavily on the technical
program, both oral and poster presentations that have been gathered from Brunei, Malaysia,
Vietnam, Australia and of course Indonesia. This focused seminar surely attracts worldwide
geoscientists attention, not only within the region.
As we all know, the current trend in hydrocarbon exploration is toward a greater effort to locate
and produce supplementary reserves from mature basins and to explore frontier areas, deep
offshore and tectonically complex zones. Most people would agree that the goldrush of
petroleum industry in the beginning of 21st century lies on the deep-water provinces throughout
the world. Deep-water reservoirs in the world have been actively explored and generating large
volumes of hydrocarbon in areas like the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea. These intense and
high technology activities created spin-offs towards SE Asia and Indonesia with several recent
discoveries in offshore Kalimantan during the last a couple of years.
However, the understanding of its depositional systems in relation to various types of reservoirs
and various tectonic setting have not been fully understood within the entire region. Responding
to that need, this compilation of extended abstract will hopefully can unlock some of the
questions in better understand the region. At least it might serve to generate ideas, discussions
and exploration concepts within this attractive setting.
Hopefully the participants can develop the concepts and strategies of deep-water depositional
setting throughout the two-day seminar.
Last but not least, I would like to thank all parties involved, the technical presenters who are
willing to publish their work here, the sponsors, the committee members who have spent plenty
man-hours voluntarily, and all individuals that can not be mentioned here.
Have a nice seminar -
Keynote Papers
Deep-Water Opportunities in Indonesia and Vicinity
F.X. Soejanto
1
1
PERTAMINA Upstream
ABSTRACT
Deep-water exploration areas on the world are significant as it totally cover 35 million square
kilometer on the surface, within 260 basins spread out in all continents, and contribute 14 % of
today total oil and gas reserves. The largest area with highest potential is in Mexican part of
Gulf of Mexico having 250 000 sq km with 15 BBO, whereas in Indonesia there are still as large
as 10,000 sq km with 5 BBO of unexplored deep-water areas. In term of exploration, it is a
challenge to search for new targets and tool improvement.
Deep-water drilling in Indonesia has been carried out since 1972 in 350 m water depth in South
Java Sea yielding some non-economic discoveries. It reached the deepest sea of 1,224 meters
in North Sumatra Basin. The advancement of exploration concept and more sophisticated
technology led to the first significant deep-water hydrocarbon discoveries of Merah Besar and
West Seno in Makassar Strait in 1994. In the whole Kalimantan area included in Indonesia,
Malaysia and Brunei authorities there are now deep-water potential of 11 BBO + 31 TCF, and it
seems that more reserves are likely present at the deeper area.
Indonesia launches the blocks of deep-water with a tamer incentive designed for frontier areas
in Eastern Indonesia, and also for parts of Western Indonesia areas having similar geological
and geographic condition. Those deep-water blocks in Indonesia are having potential of oil and
gas, where the gas market is large and growing succeeding oil market. Brunei also accelerated
deep-water endeavor by offering 2 deep-water blocks in Baram delta. Similarly, India offers 8
blocks of deep-water play, which reaches 30 % among the total number of 25 blocks offered.
The recent activities prove that deep-water invention plays a more and more important role in
the oil and gas industry.
nd
Regional Seminar
Controls on Reservoir Distribution and Architecture
in Slope Settings: Implications for The Global Deep-
water Play
B. E. Prather
1
1
Shell International E&P,
2280 AB Rijswijk, The
Netherlands.
ABSTRACT
Realisation that high performance turbidite reservoirs exist in continental slope environments
has substantially changed industrys perception of the profitability of the global deep-water play.
Lessons learned from developing and producing turbidite fields show that thick, high net-to-
gross sheet sands with areally extensive, well-connected aquifers typify the architecture of high
performance turbidite reservoirs. The highest-performing turbidite reservoirs (rates >10,000
BOPD and EURs > 20 MMBO) are found in intraslope basins on above-grade slopes and at the
base of graded slopes. This pattern of distribution suggests there is a link between evolution of
slope systems, and the occurrence of high performance turbidite reservoirs.
Turbidite reservoir distribution and architecture across slope environments varies as a function
of accommodation space. The degree of slope substratum mobility, sediment flux and sand-
mud content control the type and distribution of accommodation space across slope and base-
of-slope systems. Presence of ponded-basin accommodation space and large amounts of mid-
to upper-slope healed-slope accommodation space distinguish above-grade slope systems
from graded-slope systems. Large amounts of healed-slope accommodation space in basin
floor and toe-of-slope positions and absence of ponded-basin accommodation space
distinguish graded-slope systems from above-grade slope systems.
Sheet sand deposition on above-grade slopes results from ponded basin "fill-and-spill"
processes. Spill-and-fill dominates early phases of deposition in above-grade slopes underlain
by highly mobile substrates prior to progradation of graded (unconfined) slopes. Slopes with
lower substrate mobility tend to have an early graded-slope that evolves with time into an
above-grade slope. Late onset of above-grade slope conditions on these slopes results in sheet
sand deposition in ponded basins that are too shallow to be prospective for hydrocarbons.
Sheet sands are also found in basin floor positions and at the toes of graded (unconfined)
slopes associated with stable substrates.
Many recent turbidite discoveries principally on the continental slope of west Africa, and a great
deal of the remaining deep-water potential in the global play is associated with stepped or
terraced above-grade slopes that lack intraslope basins with ponded-basin accommodation
space. Since reservoirs in these settings have yet to be developed, their performance
characteristics are poorly understood. Many of them are associated with belts of highly sinuous
ribbon and shoestring channel sands with locally scattered, thin, ponded fans. These sinuous
channel belts and small fans occur across lower gradient portions or steps on the slope
whereas straight to lower sinuosity channels form across ridges between the steps where
seafloor gradients are higher. Highly discontinuous external and internal (subseismic)
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Regional Seminar
architectures associated with these reservoir types present development challenges not
encountered with sheet sand reservoirs due to poorer reservoir connectivity resulting in
reservoir compartmentalization and limited aquifer support.
DistanceKft
Aseafloor profile across central GOM shows the distribution of accommodation
space on
an typical above-grade slope profile (1) ponded basin accommodation space,
(2) slope
accommodation space, and (3) healed-slope accommodation space
Prather
0.5
0.8
1.0
vertical exaggeration1:675
0.1
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
3
1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200
Distance Kft
Figure 2: A seafloor profile across eastern GOM shows the distribution of accommodation space on a typical graded
slope profile. The graded slope profile comes from the present-day unconfined slope of the eastern GOM where it dips
to the south at about 0.8
o
. Absence of ponded-basin accommodation space and large amounts of healed-slope
accommodation space in basin floor and toe-of-slope positions distinguish graded-slope systems from above-grade
slope systems. Healed-slope accommodation space in the mid- to lower- slope position is the space above toe-of-
slope deposits and below the higher angle equilibrium profile associated with landward thickening slope deposits. The
amount of head-slope accommodation space across both the mid- to lower- slope is controlled in part by the amount of
toe-of-slope deposits, and seafloor topography caused by faulting and submarine slides.
0.5
0.8
1.0
0.1
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
3
1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200
-
0
slope accommodation space
healed slope
accommodation
space
slope
above
grade
graded slope profile
ponded basin
accommodation
space
shelf/slope break
steepest stable slope
equilibrium profile
(eastern GOMunconfined slope)
vertical exaggeration 1:675
mud-limited profile
seafloor
Figure 1: A seafloor profile across central GOM shows the distribution of accommodation a typical above-grade slope profile
(1) ponded basin accommodation space, (2) accommodation space, and (3) healed-slope accommodation space (Prather et
al., 1988). The graded slope profile comes from the present-day slope of the eastern GOM where it dips to the south.
shelf/slope break
healed-slope
accommodation
space: mid-slope
deposition
slope
accommodation
space below grade
healed-slope
accommodation
space: toe-of-slope
mud-rich slope profile
mud-limited slope profile
present-day sea floor
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Regional Seminar
C
bh
Facies
I. Ponding
II. Fill
C
bh
Facies
C
bh
Facies
Cbh Facies
C
tl
Facies
III. Early healing
phase
IV. Slope
r e-adjustment
Truncation
D Facies
V. Late healing
phase
VI. Dr ape
Ponded Assemblage Evolution
A.
B
(h or l)
/C
bh
Facies
B(h or l) /Cbh Facies
C
bh
Facies
A Faci es
B
l
Facies
XI. Mass- wast ing
X. Drape
IX. Slope retrogradation ?
and heal ing
VIII. Slope progradation
VII. Ponding
D Facies
E Facies
C
th
/C
tl
Facies
Bypass Assemblage Evoluti on
B.
C
th
/C
tl
Facies
Figure 3: Idealized ponded depositional sequence (A): capture of submarine fans (I) occurs in ponded accommodation
space created by salt withdrawal; fans eventually filling the accommodation space (II). Healing of the slope occurs after the
ponded basin fills and gravity flows spill down-slope as the sill separating the up-slope basin from down-slope basin is
topped (III). A localized truncation surface form from erosion of the up-slope basin as the equilibrium profile adjusts to the
down-slope basin (IV). Continued healing of the space above the truncation surface occurs as the down-slope basin fills
and the slope between the two basins aggrades to a local equilibrium profile (V). Muddy gravity flows and/or hemipelagic
deposits drape the basins after the slope grades to the equilibrium profile or there is a decrease in sediment influx resulting
from either a rise in eustatic sea level or slope-system avulsion (VI). Idealized bypass depositional sequence (B): captured
submarine fans fill ponded accommodation space where the rate of local basin subsidence due to salt withdrawal
exceeded the rate of sediment influx (VII). Progradation of the slope occurs once the ponded accommodation space filles
(VIII). Retrogradational parasequences sets suggest slope progradation is followed locally by healing phase deposit (?)
reducing the local slope gradient (IX). Muddy turbidites and/or hemipelagic deposits drape the slope after the depositional
surface grades to the equilibrium profile and/or there is a drop in the rate of sediment influx due to rise in eustatic sea level
or slope-system avulsion (X). A really extensive mass-wasting occurs as the regional slope steepens beyond the angle of
repose for rapidly deposited muds during slope progradation and/or basinward tilting (XI). Refer to Prather et al. (1998) for
further explanations of seismic facies classes (modified from Prather et al., 1998).
Seismic Facies Classes:
A = chaotic with rotated events
B1 = simple-chaotic low reflectivity
Bh = simple-chaotic high reflectivity
Cbh = convergent-baselapping high reflectivity
Cbl = convergent-baselapping low reflectivity (not shown
Ctl = convergent-thinning low reflectivity
Cth = convergent-thinning high reflectivity
D = high acoustic impedance single loop or double
E = low acoustic impedance single loop
A B
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Regional Seminar
Figure 4: A continuum exists between graded slopes and above-grade slopes that reflects an interplay between
accommodation space and supply. As above-grade slopes heal (i.e., as they become graded), progressively more
sand is bypassed downslope. Therefore, explorationists must look for subtle features to identify reservoir in
stepped or graded slopes.
5km
Ampli tude
Low High
Incised
bypass channels
amalgamation of
shallower events
1 mile
A
A'
B'
B
Ponded Subma rine Fan
N
Oil field
A
B
Figure 5: Comparison of map-view geometries
of sinuous meander-belt (A) with map-view
geometry of high-performance sheet-sand
reservoir (B).
Physiographic Controls on Basin-Floor Fan
Development
A.D. Donovan
1
1
BP Upstream Technology
Group
ABSTRACT
Depositional sequences with distinct depositional relief can occur on the craton and continental
shelf, as well as along the continental margin. This depositional topography can occur along
sequence boundaries (Erosional), within sequences (Constructional), or as abandoned (Relict)
physiography. Detailed analysis of the depositional topography associated with sequences
deposited in a variety of tectonic settings reveals that neither the presence of depositional relief
or proximity to the continental margin explains basin-floor fan development within sequences.
However, in the datasets studied the magnitude of the depositional relief along sequence
boundaries can be used to explain and predict basin-floor (lowstand) fan development within
sequences.
Integration of published seismic, well-log, and outcrop data from the Cretaceous and Tertiary of
the U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts, offshore Australia, Norway, Russia, as well as the Triassic
through Tertiary of the Alaskan North Slope, suggests that 3 distinct types of depositional
sequences can be defined. Low-relief sequences lack clinoform development. These
sequences typically have slopes of less than 1/2 of a degree and depositional relief of less than
50 meters (150') along sequence boundaries. Low-relief sequences, which are common in
cratonic basins, lack basin-floor lowstand fans. Moderate-relief sequences display distinct
clinoform development, with slopes of .5 to 3 degrees and depositional relief of less than 150
meters (500') along sequence boundaries. Moderate-relief sequences are common in foreland
basins and on continental shelves. They also lack basin-floor lowstand fans. High-relief
sequences display slopes of 1-5 degrees and depositional relief greater than 150 meters (500')
along sequence boundaries. High-relief sequences, which typically occur along the continental
margins, but can occur in foreland and rift basins, contain basin-floor lowstand fans.
These observed relationships suggest that there is a Critical (Erosional) Shelf Break that
controls slope stability or failure during relative sea-level falls. In basins where the depositional
relief is less than the Critical Shelf Break, progradation continues during relative sea-level falls.
The resulting low- to moderate-relief sequences lack basin-floor (lowstand) fans. In basins
where the depositional relief is greater than the Critical Shelf Break, slumping, canyon
formation, fluvial capture, and sediment by-pass occur during relative sea-level falls. The
resulting high-relief sequences contain basin floor (lowstand) fans. In the data sets studied, it
appears that the Critical (Erosional) Shelf Break occurs with erosional depositional relief of 150-
180 meters (500-600').
Deep-water Concepts
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Deep-water PetroleumProvinces of Southeast Asia:
A High Level Overview
A. Kusumastuti
1
, A. Mortimer
1
, C. Todd
1
, E. Guritno
1
, G. Goffey
1
, M. Bennett
1
, and
S. Algar
1
1
LASMO Companies in
Indonesia, Jakarta
INTRODUCTION
Deep-water (200m+) exploration is an increasingly important component in the search for
hydrocarbons in SE Asia. The Kutei Basin represents the most intensively and successfully
explored deep-water basin in the region. In addition to the Kutei basin there are other less
explored deep-water basins in the region such as the Baram, Sandakan, Tarakan, East Java,
North Sumatra and Palawan Basins. This paper describes, compares and contrasts the
petroleum systems of some of these basins.
A regional map (Figure 1) illustrates the distribution of deep-water basins in the region whilst
Table 1 compares the characteristics of the individual basins reviewed. Note that we use a
200m depth cutoff to differentiate deep from shallow water as this is depth cutoff employed by
the Indonesian Government for the purposes of fiscal terms.
KUTEI BASIN INDONESIA
The Kutei Basin is one of the most prolific basins in the region, with at least 11.5 BBOE
discovered to date onshore and offshore. However, the focus of exploration in this basin has
recently shifted to the deep-water with a variety of oil and gas discoveries such as West Seno,
Merah Besar, Gendalo and Gandang made in water depths of 500-2000 m. Preliminary
estimates suggest that these discoveries may represent 15% of Kutei reserves at present but
exploration is still at an early stage and the deep-water proportion of reserves is likely to
increase.
The deep-water area of the Kutei Basin is over 60,000 km and the basin developed as a
passive margin from Eocene rifting and probable development of oceanic crust, through Oligo-
Miocene thermal and sediment-loading driven subsidence. From the Middle Miocene onwards
the basin has experienced slight inversion. The prospective structures in the main part of the
basin are largely related to this inversion, but in the deep-water areas uplift/extension-driven
toe-thrusting is also important. The Kutei is dominated by the huge sediment input from the
Kuching uplift, focussed towards the Mahakam delta.
The reservoirs thus far proven in the deep-water acreage are Pliocene and Late Miocene
sediment gravity flows, with the deep-water discoveries located in different depositional
systems in an upper to lower slope setting. The source rocks are thought to comprise highly
unusual, re-deposited terrestrial source particles and other organic matter transported into the
deep-water by Early to Late Miocene (post-rift) sediment gravity flows and thus deposited in
close juxtaposition with reservoir sandstones at a number of stratigraphic levels. These source
rocks are therefore very different from the terrestrial organic matter thought to be the primary
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source for the fields in shallow water and onshore. Trapping geometries in the deep-water are
related to thin-skinned extensional and contractional structures, often with a significant
stratigraphic component.
Unocals West Seno field will be the first deep-water discovery to be developed in Indonesia
when it comes on stream in 2003, whilst the deep-water gas discoveries are likely to be
developed in a timeframe dictated by capacity in the Bontang LNG plant.
BRUNEI BASIN
Brunei is another prolific hydrocarbon province in SE Asia, with total reserves of at least 7
BBOE in onshore and largely offshore shallow water fields. The presence of a deep-water
petroleum system in the Brunei area has been proven by the Merpati and Meragi discoveries in
water depths of 400-500m. These discoveries represent less than 2% of Bruneis reserves and
deep-water Brunei is otherwise under-explored.
The Brunei deep-water acreage extends to the northeast and southwest into the Sabah and
Sarawak offshore sectors respectively, with a total area of around 150,000 km2, and is
characterised by a steep slope with a relatively rapid descent into water depths greater than
2,500m in the centre of the NW Borneo Trough. Similar to the Kutei Basin, structures in the
Brunei deep-water are related to presumably thin-skinned, contractional toe-thrust anticlines on
the lower slope, with a much greater involvement of shale diapirism on the middle and upper
slope than is the case in the Kutei.
To date, the main productive reservoirs in the shallow water Brunei Basin have been deltaic
progradational sandstones of Pliocene and Late Miocene age. Turbidite reservoirs in the very
limited number of deep-water well penetrations are reported to be thin-bedded sandstones with
a relatively low net to gross. However, some of these have been interpreted as overbank or
levee deposits, with the shale-filled channel forming a lateral seal. The age and depositional
setting of the source rock in deep-water remains unclear but, we speculate, may be similar to
that of the Kutei Basin.
An extensive offshore pipeline network in shallow water exists to transport produced liquids to
the BSP oil terminal and gas to the Lumut LNG plant. There is currently no deep-water
infrastructure or developed deep-water hydrocarbons.
TARAKAN BASIN - INDONESIA
The deep-water area of the Tarakan Basin is under-explored with only one well drilled in water
depths significantly greater than 200m. Some 450 MMBOE are proven onshore Tarakan. The
deep-water petroleum system is postulated to be very similar to that of the Kutei Basin and
hence success or failure and oil:gas reserve ratios in the deep-water could be very different to
those encountered onshore.
The Tarakan Basin is very similar to the Kutei Basin in that it formed as a passive margin during
Eocene rifting, followed by thermal and sediment load-driven subsidence during Oligo-Miocene
times. As with the Kutei Basin, parts of the Tarakan Basin have also been inverted and a thin-
skinned toe-thrust belt is well developed. The deep-water segment of the basin is around
30,000km2 in area. Water depths increase rapidly over a relatively steep slope. Consequently
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there is a limited portion of the basin that can be explored in water depths of less than 2500m.
Sediment is thought to have been derived from the uplifted Kuching High to the west and recent
drilling has confirmed that significant quantities of Mio-Pliocene sand are present in the deep-
water. Source rocks for the deep-water are postulated to be the same re-deposited organic
matter found in the deep-water sediments of the Kutei Basin. Although hydrocarbon discoveries
have yet to be made in deep-water, the close similarity to the Kutei Basin lends
encouragement. Trapping geometries are expected to be analogous to those in the Kutei
Basin, involving thin-skinned extensional and compressional fault blocks with a stratigraphic
component also being likely.
NORTH SUMATRA BASIN - INDONESIA
This basin occupies a back-arc setting that extends over a large area (160,000 km2) in the
Indonesian and Thai sectors (where it is referred to as the Mergui Basin). Proven hydrocarbon
reserves in this basin are approximately 5 BBOE onshore and nearshore in shallow water.
Only a small volume of gas has so far been discovered in deep-water.
The main proven hydrocarbon reservoirs in shallow water/onshore are Late Oligocene and
Early Miocene reefal build-ups whilst potential reservoirs of Middle Miocene deep marine,
lowstand fan clastics are beginning to be explored. The syn-rift section has yet to yield material
discoveries despite being sand-prone. The principal source rocks are thought to be lacustrine
shales and deltaic coals in the Oligocene syn-rift section. The structural style is predominantly
extensional fault blocks, locally modified by reactivation/inversion with related folding.
Production from this basin is dominated by the giant onshore Arun Field, which produces gas to
the adjacent Arun LNG plant.
EAST JAVA BASIN - INDONESIA
Similar to the North Sumatra Basin, the East Java Basin is also located in a back-arc setting.
The basin contains sediments of Eocene to Recent age which were deposited in continental,
shallow and deep marine environments. The current deep-water areas cover approximately
40,000 km2 and the sedimentary section is estimated to exceed 5 km. The proven hydrocarbon
reserves in this basin are approximately 1.4 BBOE with no commercial discoveries in the
relatively under-explored deep-water area.
Several main reservoir targets are identified: Eocene-Oligocene syn-rift clastics, Early Miocene
carbonate buildups and Mio-Pliocene deep-water clastics. Of these reservoirs, the Eocene
syn-rift clastics are currently the main target in the deep-water portion of the basin. The
principal source rocks are Eocene shales and coals which are mixed oil/gas prone. Shallow
biogenic gas is also present. Trapping geometries tend to be inverted extensional fault blocks.
There is a shallow water and onshore infrastructure, but no deep-water infrastructure.
PALAWAN BASIN - PHILIPPINES
The Palawan Basin has a NE-SW trend and covers an area of 80,000 km2 with water depths
from less than 100m to greater than 3000m. Eocene-Oligocene rifting was followed by thermal
subsidence. Some compressional structuration occurred along the southeastern basin margin
during Mid to Late Miocene times. Reserves of approximately 1.3 BBOE have been
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discovered although some 50% of the gas and 10%-15% of the oil is considered to be
uneconomic. Production of hydrocarbons to date from this basin has come from several small
oil discoveries in water depths of less than 300m.
Unlike the other deep-water basins, this basin lacks a thick development of deep-water coarse
clastics. Early Miocene age carbonate build-ups provide the main proven reservoir in the basin.
Other potential reservoirs are fractured platform carbonate facies, pre and syn-rift clastic
sections and post-rift turbidites. The main source rock is thought to be syn-rift Palaeogene
lacustrine shales. Traps with a stratigraphic element exist in the carbonate buildups where
Middle Miocene shales are draped over the buildup and the carbonate shales out laterally. The
other dominant trapping geometry is four-way closure generated by mid/late Miocene
compression.
The giant Malampaya-Camago gas and oil field (850m water) is due onstream in 2002 and this
marks the first significant deep-water infrastructure in this basin.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite their varied locations, most of these basins initiated through Palaeogene rifting and
then subsided relatively passively as a result of a combination of thermal subsidence and/or
sediment loading. All basins appear to have experienced some degree of compression from at
least as early as the Middle Miocene, through to Recent times. This compression has
reactivated thick-skinned structures and, when combined with extensional gravitational
collapse, has led to the development of thin-skinned structures. There is a notable difference in
the circum-Borneo basins (Kutei, Brunei, Tarakan) compared to the rest of the basins in that
they have a much thicker post-rift sedimentary section which tends to be both more sand-prone
and more prone to thin-skinned extension and contractional toe-thrust development.
The circum-Borneo basins appear to be broadly analogous, with similar depositional and
structural styles. Common deep-water features are well-developed slope to basin depositional
elements, reservoirs being deep-water sediment gravity flow deposits and the dominant role of
thin-skinned extensional and contractional tectonics in formation of structural traps. It is
probable that the transported post-rift source rock known to occur in the Kutei basin is the
prevailing nature of source rock in the circum-Borneo basins, which seem to lack a single, well-
developed regional source rock horizon. The other basins reviewed, whilst their tectonic
settings vary, contain both deep and shallow water reservoirs in present-day deep-water,
contain exclusively lacustrine or deltaic syn-rift source rocks in a known stratigraphic interval
and thick-skinned (basement-involved) tectonics dominates structural trap formation.
The circum-Borneo basins access an extensive sedimentary provenance area with major
drainage systems focussing large clastic volumes towards the basins, whereas the other basins
reviewed tends to access smaller hinterland areas with multiple, smaller drainage routes into
the basins.
A common feature of all basins is their relatively under-explored nature.
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Regional Seminar
Interpretational Applications of Spectral
Decomposition in Reservoir Characterization
Greg Partyka
1
, James Gridley
1
, and John Lopez
1
1
BP Upstream Technology
Previously published by the
SEG in The Leading Edge:
Partyka, G., Gridley, J.,
Lopez, J., Interpretational
Applications of Spectral
Decomposition in
Reservoir Characterization,
The Leading Edge, vol. 18,
no. 3, pg. 353-360.
INTRODUCTION
Spectral decomposition provides a novel means of utilizing seismic data and the discrete
Fourier transform (DFT) for imaging and mapping temporal bed thickness and geological
discontinuities over large 3D seismic surveys (Partyka and Gridley, 1997). By transforming the
seismic data into the frequency domain via the DFT, the amplitude spectra delineate temporal
bed thickness variability while the phase spectra indicate lateral geologic discontinuities. This
signal analysis technology has been used successfully in 3-D seismic surveys to delineate
stratigraphic settings such as channel sands and structural settings involving complex fault
systems.
Widess pioneered a widely used method for quantifying thin bed thickness (Widess, 1973).
Because it uses peak to trough time separation in conjunction with amplitude, Widess method
is dependent on careful seismic processing to establish the correct wavelet phase and true
trace to trace amplitudes. Though similar in context, the spectral method proposed here uses a
more robust phase independent amplitude spectrum and is designed for examining thin bed
responses over large 3D surveys.
The concept behind spectral decomposition is that a reflection from a thin bed has a
characteristic expression in the frequency domain that is indicative of the temporal bed
thickness. For example, a simple homogeneous thin bed introduces a predictable and periodic
sequence of notches into the amplitude spectrum of the composite reflection. The seismic
wavelet however, typically spans multiple subsurface layers and not just one simple thin bed.
This layered system results in a complex tuned reflection that has a unique frequency domain
expression.
The amplitude spectrum interference pattern from a tuned reflection defines the relationship
between acoustic properties of the individual beds that comprise the reflection. Amplitude
spectra delineate thin bed variability via spectral notching patterns, which are related to local
rock mass variability. Likewise, phase spectra respond to lateral discontinuities via local phase
instability. Together, the amplitude and phase related interference phenomena allow the
seismic interpreter to quickly and efficiently quantify and map local rock mass variability within
large 3-D surveys.
The frequency response difference between a long window and a short window amplitude from
a long seismic trace approximates the spectrum of the wavelet, the transform from a short
seismic trace comprises a wavelet overprint and a local interference pattern representing the
acoustic properties and thickness of the geologic layers spanned by the analysis window. The
short window amplitude spectrum no longer approximates just the wavelet, but rather the
wavelet plus local geologic layering.
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Figure 1 Thin Bed Spectral Imaging
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With a few exceptions such as cyclothems and sabkhas, long analysis windows encompass a
great deal of geological variations that statistically randomize interference patterns of window
reflectivity spectra appear white or flat. This behavior is the common premise behind multiple
suppression via deconvolution. Given a large enough window, the geological stacking of
individual thin layers can be considered random. The convolution of a source wavelet with a
random geologic section creates an amplitude spectrum that resembles the wavelet.
The response from a short window is dependent on the acoustic properties and thicknesses of
the layers spanned by the analysis window. The shorter the analysis window, the less random
the sampled geology. The amplitude spectrum no longer approximates just the wavelet, but
rather the wavelet plus local layering. In such small windows, the geology acts as a local filter
acting on the reflecting wavelet, thereby attenuating the spectrum of the wavelet. The resulting
amplitude spectrum is not white and represents the interference pattern within the analysis
window.
The short window phase spectrum is also useful in mapping local rock mass characteristics.
Because phase is sensitive to subtle perturbations in the seismic character, it is ideal for
detecting lateral acoustic discontinuities. If the rock mass within the analysis window is laterally
stable, its phase response will likewise be stable. If a lateral discontinuity occurs, the phase
response becomes unstable across that discontinuity. Once the rock mass stabilizes on the
other side of the discontinuity, the phase response likewise stabilizes.
Iand-rich sections in the submarine fan are interpreted as ramp channel sandstone,
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Regional Seminar
WEDGE MODEL RESPONSE
Spectral decomposition and the thin bed tuning phenomenon can be illustrated by a simple
wedge model . The temporal response consists of two reflectivity spikes of equal but opposite
magnitude. The top of the wedge is marked by a negative reflection coefficient, while the
bottom of the wedge is marked by a positive reflection coefficient. The wedge thickens from 0
ms on the left to 50 ms on the right. Filtering the reflectivity model (using an 8-10-40-50 Hz
Ormsby filter) illustrates the tuning effects brought on with a change in thickness. The top and
bottom reflections are resolved at larger thicknesses, but blend to become one reflection as the
wedge thins.
A short window amplitude spectrum was computed for each reflectivity trace. These are plotted
with frequency as the vertical axis. The temporal thickness of the wedge determines the period
of the notches in the amplitude spectrum with respect to frequency.
Pf = 1/t
Where:
Pf = Period of notches in the amplitude spectrum with respect to frequency (Hz), and
t = Thin bed thickness (seconds).
Examination from another viewpoint illustrates that the value of the frequency component
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Regional Seminar
determines the period of the notches in the amplitude spectrum with respect to thin bed
thickness:
Pt = 1/f
Where:
Pt = Period of notches in the amplitude spectrum with respect to temporal thickness (seconds),
and
f = Discrete Fourier frequency.
Even a relatively low frequency component such as ten hertz quantifies thin bed variability.
This wedge model illustrates the application of this approach to a very simple two-reflector
reflectivity model. Increasing the complexity of the reflectivity model will in turn complicate the
interference pattern.
THE TUNING CUBE
Amocos most common approach to characterize reservoirs using spectral decomposition is via
the Zone of Interest Tuning Cube. The interpreter starts by mapping the temporal and vertical
bounds of the seismic zone of interest. A short temporal window about the zone of interest is
then transformed from the time domain into the frequency domain. The resulting Tuning Cube
can be viewed in cross-section or plan view (common frequency slices). The frequency slice
form is typically more useful because it allows the interpreter to visualize thin bed interference
patterns in plan view, thereby drawing on experience in identifying textures and patterns
indicative of geologic processes. Amplitude or phase versus frequency behaviour/tuning is fully
expressed by animating through the entire frequency range (i.e., through all frequency slices).
REMOVING THE WAVELET OVERPRINT
Removing the Wavelet Overprint The Tuning Cube consists of three components: thin bed
interference, wavelet overprint and noise. Since the geologic response is the most interesting
component for the interpreter, it is prudent to balance the wavelet amplitude without degrading
the geological information. In doing this, the tuning cube is reduced to thin bed interference and
noise.
Common spectral balancing techniques used in seismic data processing rely on sparse
invariant stationary statistics. If we assume that the geologic tuning varies considerably along
any flattened horizon, then we balance the wavelet spectrum by equalizing each frequency
slice according to its average amplitude. After whitening to minimize the wavelet effect, the
tuning cube retains two main components: thin bed interference and noise.
In frequency slice form, thin bed interference appears as coherent amplitude variations.
Random noise speckles the interference pattern in a similar fashion to poor quality television
reception. At dominant frequencies, the relatively high signal to noise ratio results in clear
pictures of thin bed tuning. Movement away from dominant frequency causes the signal to
noise ratio to degrade. At frequencies beyond usable bandwidth, the poor signal to noise ratio
results in a noise map.
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EXPLORING BEYOND THE LOCALIZED ZONE-OF-INTEREST
Whereas the Tuning Cube addresses the tuning problem on a local zone-of-interest scale,
larger seismic volume characterization requires a different approach. For decomposition
beyond the single reflectivity package or zone of interest, we recommend using Discrete
Frequency Energy Cubes or with different data organization, the Time-Frequency 4-D Cube.
Discrete Frequency Energy Cubes are computed from a single input seismic volume into
multiple discrete frequency amplitude and phase volumes. Computation is done via running
window spectral analysis which calculates the amplitude or phase spectrum for each sample in
the seismic volume. The spectral components are then sorted into common frequency
component cubes. This method is typically done only after scoping the zone of interest, horizon
Figure 5: Thin-bed tuning of amplitudes versus frequency (a)
with respect to frequency and (b) with respect to thin-bed
thickness.
x
y
z
x
y
z
x
y
z
x
y
freq
x
y
freq
Interpret
3-D Seismic Volume
Subset
Compute
Animate
Interpreted
3-D Seismic Volume
Zone-of-Interest
Subvolume
Zone-of-Interest
Tuning Cube
(cross-section view)
Frequency Slices
through Tuning Cube
(plan view)
Figure 6: Zone-of-interest
tuning cube.
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Regional Seminar
based Tuning Cube. For the case of a Time-Frequency 4-D Cube, the spectral decomposition
is also computed using a running window approach. The results are sorted into common
sample with increasing frequency. This volume allows the interpreter to exploit conventional
interpretive workstation software and navigate through the volume at any depth slice for any
frequency. The output is many times the size of the input but allows the interpreter to navigate
and visualize in space, time, and frequency (x, y, t, and f).
GULF OF MEXICO DATA EXAMPLE
A Gulf of Mexico 3-D seismic example illustrates the use of spectral decomposition to image
the Pleistocene age equivalent of the modern day Mississippi River delta (Lopez et al., 1997).
The Tuning Cube frequency slices capture the subtleties of inherent tuning and reveal the
various depositional features more effectively than full bandwidth amplitude and phase
extractions. For example, compare the north-south delineation extent for Channel A. It is
significantly better imaged by 26hz energy than by 16hz energy. On the other hand, Channel B
is better imaged by 16hz energy than by 26hz energy. Any single frequency however, does not
tell the full story; the strength of this technique lies in the ability to animate through the entire
Tuning Cube to reveal subtle acoustic variations. Neither Channel A nor B is adequately
delineated by conventional, full-bandwidth energy. The strength of the phase component lies in
detecting discontinuities. The 16hz phase response and 26hz phase response are stable away
from the faults, but become unstable crossing discontinuities such as faults. These spectral
phase maps provide sharper definition of faults than conventional full-bandwidth response
phase.
CONCLUSIONS
Spectral decomposition is a powerful technique which aides in the imaging and mapping of bed
thickness and geologic discontinuities. Real seismic is rarely dominated by simple blocky,
resolved reflections. In addition, true geological boundaries rarely fall along fully resolved
seismic peaks and troughs. By transforming the seismic data into the frequency domain with
the discrete Fourier transform, short-window amplitude and phase spectra localize thin bed
reflections and define bed thickness variability within complex rock strata. This technology
allows the interpreter to quickly and effectively quantify thin bed interference and detect subtle
discontinuities within large 3D surveys.
REFERENCES
Bracewell, R. N., 1965, The Fourier transform and its applications: McGraw-Hill Book Co.
Dilay, A. and Eastwood, J., 1995, Spectral analysis applied to seismic monitoring of thermal
recovery: The Leading Edge, 11, No. 6, 1117-1122.
Partyka, G.A., Gridley, J.M., Interpretational Aspects of Spectral Decomposition, Abstract,
Istanbul 97 International Geophysical Conference and Exposition, July 7-10, 1997.
Widess, M.B., 1973, How Thin is a Thin Bed?, Geophysics, vol. 38, pg 1176-1180.
ranges from 5 to rarely 10 feet. Further works are needed in order to assess its potentiality as
producing reservoir.
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Regional Seminar
Multiply
Tuning Cube
x
y
freq
x
y
freq
x
y
freq
x
y
freq
Seismic Wavelet Noise Thin Bed Interference
+
+
Add
Figure 7: Prior to balancing the spectrum, the tuning cube consists of thin-bed interference, the
seismic wavelet, and random noise.
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Regional Seminar
x
y
freq
x
y
x
y
x
y
x
y
x
y
x
y
x
y
x
y
x
y
x
y
x
y
freq
Split Spectral Tuning Cube
into Discrete Frequencies
Tuning Cube
Spectrally Balanced
Tuning Cube
Gather Discrete Frequencies
into Tuning Cube
Independently Normalize
Each Frequency Map
Frequency 1 Frequency 2 Frequency 3 Frequency 4 Frequency n
Frequency 1 Frequency 2 Frequency 3 Frequency 4 Frequency n
Frequency Slices
through Tuning Cube
(plan view)
Spectrally Balanced
Frequency Slices
through Tuning Cube
(plan view)
Figure 8: Removing the wavelet overprint (balancing the spectrum) without removing the reflectivity tuning characteristics.
Figure 8: Removing the wavelet overprint (balancing the spectrum) without removing the reflectivity tuning
characteristics.
Compute
3-D Seismic Volume
x
y
freq
x
y
freq
x
y
freq
x
y
freq
x
y
freq
x
y
freq
x
y
freq
x
y
z
z = 1
z = n
z = n
z = 3
z = 4
z = 5
z = 6
z = 1
z = 2
x
y
z
z = 1
z = n
Subset
x
y
z
z = 1
z = n
x
y
z
z = 1
z = n
x
y
z
z = 1
z = n
x
y
z
z = 1
z = n
4-D Spectral Decomposition
Discrete Frequency
Energy Cubes
Frequency 1 Frequency 2 Frequency 3 Frequency 4 Frequency m
Figure 9: Discrete frequency energy cubes.
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North-South Extent North-South Extent
of Channel A Delineation of Channel A Delineation
Channel A Channel A
Channel B Channel B
Fault-Controlled Channel Fault-Controlled Channel
Point Bar Point Bar
10,000 ft
N
1
0
Amplitude
analysis window length = 100ms
North-South Extent North-South Extent
of Channel A Delineation of Channel A Delineation
Channel A Channel A
Channel B Channel B
Point Bar Point Bar
10,000 ft
N
1
0
Amplitude
Figure 10: Gulf of Mexico (a) 16-Hz energy map, (b) 26-Hz energy map
nd
Regional Seminar
Faults Faults
10,000 ft
N
180
-180
Phase
Faults Faults
10,000 ft
N
180
-180
Phase
Figure 10: Gulf of Mexico (c) 16-Hz phase map, (d) 26-Hz phase map.
nd
Regional Seminar
Channel A Channel A
Channel B Channel B
Point Bar Point Bar
10,000 ft
N
1
0
Amplitude
Faults Faults
10,000 ft
N
180
-180
Phase
Figure 11: Gulf of Mexico full-bandwidth (a) conventional energy envelope extraction, (b)
conventional response phase extraction.
Geological Architecture and Reservoir
Characteristics of Fine-Grained and Coarse-
Grained Turbidite Systems
Arnold Bouma
1
1
Lousiana State University
ABSTRACT
Exploration and production of oil and gas from deep-water turbidite systems is of high interest
to most companies. Several models have been developed, emphasizing the architecture and
several aspects of reservoir characterization. Application of a non-suitable model can result in
dry holes, bypassed oil, and other frustrations. Of all general models available the most
important ones are the coarse-grained and the fine-grained turbidite systems.
The coarse-grained turbidite systems are called canyon-fed fans. They are prograding into the
basin and constructed by non-efficient transport systems. They thin downdip and their
sediments become finer. In many cases the sediments are immature.
The fine-grained systems are delta-fed bypassing fan types with well-developed leveed
channels and significant depositional lobes or sheet sands on the outer/lower fan. They are
typical for passive margins but are also rather common in foredeeps and some trenches,
depending on the distance from the sediment source and the fluvial gradient. Fine-grained fans
commonly contain mature sediments. Calculations on the Mississippi Fan and Tanqua Karoo
fans in South Africa indicate that 75% or more of all the sand in fine-grained fans is stored in
the outer fan sheet sands. Therefore, just to indicate that coarse-grained turbidite systems are
related to active margins and fine-grained ones to passive margins is only partially correct. The
terms active and passive margins should not be used to identify turbidite system types.
A general understanding of the types of transport and depositional processes responsible for
the distribution and characteristics of the sands and shales is essential and makes it much
easier to predict sand distribution and reservoir characteristics. The factors (tectonics, climate,
sediment, and relative sea level fluctuations) that influence basin setting, transport, deposition,
and timing interact rather variably with one and another.
The coarse-grained turbidite systems are rather well understood because those deposits are
common in outcrop, often adjacent to productive fields. Fine-grained turbidite systems
commonly do not outcrop. That makes it very difficult to determine architectural changes in
downdip and lateral direction, as well as reservoir continuity. The non-tilted Permian Tanqua
Karoo fan systems in South Africa are the only ones known to make it possible to conduct such
observations.
Sumatra and Java
nd
Regional Seminar
Sunda Strait Ventilation Role on Sediment Transport
and Primary Productivity in Offshore South Java and
Southwest Sumatera
Koesnadi H.S.
1
, D.A.S. Ranawijaya
1
, Yusuf.S.Djajadihardja
2
, and M.Wiedicke
3
1
Marine Geological
Institute of Indonesia (MGI)
Jl. Dr.Junjunan 236
Bandung-40174
INDONESIA
2
Agency for the
Assessment and
Application of Technology
(BPPT) Jl. MH.Thamrin 8
Jakarta-10340 INDONESIA
3
Bundesanstalt f r
Geowissenschaften und
Rohstoffe (BGR)
Stilleweg 2, D-30655
Hannover, GERMANY
ABSTRACT
There are three important reasons for studying paleocirculation-paleooceanography in
Indonesian waters due to paleoclimatic cycles: first, Indonesian archipelago is the transition
region between Indian Ocean monsoon and Pacific monsoon, although the study area is more
influenced by Indian monsoon. Second, it is also the region of upper layer return water from
Pacific to Indian Ocean (Gordon,1980) and third, it is commonly known that the region has high
enough rate of sedimentation because close to the islands creating high resolution
sedimentation cycles. Those factors might influence the variations of integrated sedimentary
signals whether global (climatic, sea level change) or local (sediment flux, monsoon, ocean
circulation) signal.
The carbonate composition fluctuation could illustrate the integrated signal above to describe
the sedimentary cycle. The result of carbonate curve reconstruction and carbonate lateral
distribution analysis of deep sea piston cores of study area (South Java and Southwest
Sumatera Indian Ocean) explained the modern distribution model and interpret the
sedimentation history of unconsolidated sediment during subrecent due to paleoclimatic cycle.
By the key word: primary productivity, the assemblage of planktonic microfauna, mainly
foraminifera, indicate vertically the variations of the integrated signal; and the benthic
assemblage variations correlated with the fluctuation of mostly global signal. When we subtract
each other, the fluctuated carbonate curve is correlated with the variations of global signal like
the sea level change and ocean circulation. Finally, by that phenomena we try to calculate the
approximately rate of sedimentation.
nd
Regional Seminar
Permeability Distribution in Thin-Bedded Turbidites
Sandstones of Cinambo Formation, West Java
Indra Jaya
1
, Hartanto Hadi Saputro
1
and Mac Endharto
2
1
Lemigas
2
Geological Research and
Development Centre
ABSTRACT
Permeability distribution for thin-bedded turbidites facies of Cinambo Formation (Upper
Oligocene Lower Miocene) exposed at Cinambo River, Sumedang, West Java are presented
in this paper. The outcrop is about 150 m thick and 15 m wide. Vertical and horizontal
transects were sampled from the sandstone succession comprising several number of
beds/bedsets which range from 10 to 75 cm in thickness. Small to medium scales
permeability/porosity measurements and sandstones lithofacies counterparts were spatially
correlated. Additionally, both sedimentary structures and petrographical properties of studied
samples were examined in order to show the potential effect of these variations on flow
behaviour. The expected outcome of this study is to model the fluid-flow simulation in
analogous reservoirs.
nd
Regional Seminar
Facies Analysis of The Cisubuh Formation Outcrops
Analogues at Brebes-Tegal-Pemalang District,
Central Java
Edy Sunardi
1
, Billy G. Adhiperdana
1
, Nurdrajat
1
, Nanang Muchsin
2
, Tri Widyo Kunto
2
, and
Rudi Ryacudu
2
1
Department of Geology,
Faculty Of Mathematics
and Natural Sciences
University of Padjadjaran,
Bandung
2
Pertamina E & P, Jakarta
ABSTRACT
Seismic data evaluation of line 99 BBS and line 74 BBS, Brebes Areas has revealed a rock
sequence in the level, identified as an equivalent to Cisubuh Formation, forming plan viewed
fan-shaped geometry. Their origin is suggested as a sediment of submarine turbidite system.
The study area severely faulted and consists of many thrust sheets showing northward
stepwise propagation.
Some measured sections traverses are performed to examine the lithologic data along some
outcrop distribution that is considered to represent the analogues of Cisubuh Formation, such
as the sections of: 1). Banjarharja areas-Brebes; 2). Lebaksiu areas-Tegal; and the sections of
3). Karanganyar areas-Pemalang. Rock sequence along these sections furthermore subdivided
into several facies, whereby their lithologic, lateral distribution and the vertical stacking pattern,
indicating a development of a sedimentation pattern.
The facies model, their association and facies distribution could be attributed to depositional
and erosional turbidite elements. The elements of turbidite system signify the setting of
channel-levee complex, including channel fill element, channel lag, overbank, basin plain,
channel-lobe transition, a limited number of major erosional features, and shelfal sandstone
lobe.
Elemental approach through mapping, facies correlation, and profiles comparison, e.g. in terms
of the erosional and depositional elements, provides depositional pattern characterization. The
pattern indicates sedimentary system development from shelf sedimentation towards basinal
sedimentation as a response to breaks in the equilibrium between shelfal and basinal
sedimentation. This change is shown by the profile types of Lebaksiu-Karanganyar sections for
the former, and the sections of Banjarharja, and part of Karanganyar as well, for the latter
nd
Regional Seminar
6
3
0
'
o
7
0
0
'
o
6
3
0
'
o
7
0
0
'
o
10830'
o
10900'
o
10930'
o
10830'
o
10900'
o
10930'
o
1:500.000
Fig. 1 Studied Area within simplified Regional Geological
Framework Map of the Geol. Surv. of Indonesia, 1989
Figure 1: Studied area within simplified regional geological framework map of the
Geological Survey of Indonesia, 1989.
nd
Regional Seminar
Fm. Tapak
Fm. Kumbang
Endapan
Volkanik
Endapan
Aluvial N 23
N 22
N 21
N 20
N 19
N 18
N 17
N 16
N 15
N 14
N 13
N 12
N 11
N 10
N 9
N 8
N 7
N 6
N 5
N 4
P 21
P 20
P 19
P 18
P 22
B
A
W
A
H
T
E
N
G
A
H
A
T
A
S
PLIOSEN
HOLOSEN
Fm. Halang
Fm. Rambatan
Fm. Gabon ?
Fm. Pemali
Fm. Rambatan
Fm. Halang
Fm. Kumbang
Fm. tapak
Fm. Kalibiuk
Fm. Kaliglagah
Fm. Mengger
Fm. Linggopodo
Volkanik G. Slamet
Aluvial
dan
Endapan Volkanik
Aluvial of Young Slamet
Linggopodo Breccias
Gintung Beds
Mengger Horizon
Kaliglagah Beds
Kalibiuk Beds
Kumbang Beds
Tapak Beds
Halang Beds
Lawak Beds
Rambatan Beds
Pemali Beds
Fig. 2 Summarized regional surface lithostratigraphic framework
of Western and Northern part of Central J ava
Figure 2: Summarized regional surface lithostratigraphic framework of western and northern part of Central Java.
Lithofacies
Equivalent
Mutti
&
Ricci Lucchi (1972)
Occurrence Interpretation Description
Mostly composed of alternating thin bedded sandstone, siltstone, and claystone;
moderately-good bed lateral continuity, subordinate crude bedded thin sandstone,
occasional amalgamation; individual bed have commonly subtle lateral grain size
variation,distinct to poorly defined Tb-e; commonly high clay/sand ratio, sand size
ranging from coarsed to very fined, overall finer-up bed, rarely sharp flat sandstone
basal contact, non erosive sandstone bottom marks more common, vertical
successive relation toassociations 2, 4, and association 5.
closed
Process/Mechanism:
Low density turbidites,
Channel abandoned, and
suspension,flow decceleration
Turbidite Element/Environment:
Interchannel, Overbank fines,
levee facies
Common, elsewhere
mainly within lower and
mid interval section of
Brebes and Tegal area
D, E, (C)
D, G, (E)
A, B, (C)
A, C, (E)
A, B, F,
(C, E)
Mostly composed of interbedded thin to thick claystone, siltstone and minor fined
sandstone; moderate bed lateral continuity, shaly texture commonly present, physical
structures are undiscernible to poorly defined laminations, may frequently passed into
very fined sandstone downward, claystone occassionally massive, reddish brown to
pale grey coloured,absent to very low sand/clay ratio poorly defined Td, subtle planar
to wavy laminations are due to compositional segregation, pelagic mud are common,
frequently calcareous, very thin-thin sandstone intercalations occasionally lenticulair,
very closed successive vertical relation to association 1.
Process/Mechanism:
Channel abandoned, and
suspended from flow lofting when
flow deccelerate
Interchannel, Overbank fines,
levee facies
Common, mainly within
most lower section of
Brebes and Tegal area
Only present in most
lower part section of
Pemalang and upper
interval section of Tegal
Area (Lebaksiu)
Only present in lower
and upper part section
of Brebes and Tegal,
may present in upper
interval of Pemalang
section
In most section
of Brebes and most
upper of Tegal interval,
common in upper
section
Most common in section
of Brebes and most
upper of Tegal interval,
common in upper
section
Fig. 3 Description, interpretation and occurences of common facies associations, facies term and association is used here in the sense
of Walker (1992), and the earlier term that provides a quite similar implication in the sense of Middleton (1978)
Common
Facies
Asscociation
Formation
Mostly
in
Halang Fm.
as intercalation
Rambatan Fm.
common
1.
L-, L- ,
(L- )
I v
III
2.
L- , L- v vI
3.
L- , L- IIb v
4.
L- , L- ,
(L- L )
IIa III
IV, -VII
5.
L- , L- ,
(L-)
IIa V
I
6.
L- L-
L-
L-))
IV VII
IX
I
, ,
(L- , )
((
VIII
Mostly
Pemali and
in
Halang Fm.
as intercalation
Rambatan Fm.
present
Rambatan Fm.
Halang Fm.
Halang Fm.
Halang Fm.
Mostly composed of interbedded very thick sandstone , occassionally up to 4 ms.
thick with alternating thin to thick bedded siltstone and claystone, frequently with very
thick bedded claystone or shale, moderate to excelent bed lateral continuity; typical
sedimentary structure in vertical order are: lag pebble alignment, coal chips or clay
pellets are frequently found, passed upward into more massive interval, but still show
overall finer up, before change abruptly upward into gently undulating interval of
paralel lamination, or quite flat laminations, ripple laminations, while the uppermost of
beds characterized by convolutions, and commonly hummocky like cross stratification
form and cross stratification related to storm wave modification.
beds Process/Mechanism:
fall out combined with traction,
modified by storm or normal wave
action
Deposition Element/Environment:
offshore bar and shelf mudstone,
shelf progradation system
Mostly composed of very thick bedded sandstone, with randomly oriented
mudstone ripped up clasts,
amalgamation are common, rarely
gradded stratified, massive divisions are more common, sharp erosive basal surface,
no persistent thickness, , closed vertical association with
pebbly sandstone,poorly defined coarsed tail grading, may occassionally show faint
planar subhorizontal lamintaion in upper divisions,lateral transition between massive
and bedded sandstone, Bouma divisions generally not applicable, though Ta, Tab is a
likely representation, moderate to high sand/mud ratio, overall finer up are common.
to poorly
defined paralel orientation sandstone ranges from medium
to very coarsed grain, moderate to poorly sorted,
poor beds lateral persistence
Process/Mechanism:
High density turbidites,
grain flows, freezing from
liquefied flow, or cohesive debris
flows
channel/valley fill sequence
Mostly composed of thick to very thick bedded sandstone, with randomly oriented
mudstone ripped up clasts,
amalgamation are common,
occassionally with claystone/mudstone parting, sharp-flat to erosive basal surface,
may show semi-persistent thickness, moderate to good
, closed vertical association with L-V and L-I. Bouma-
divisions may present, moderate to high sand/mud ratio, overall finer up are common.
to
poorly defined paralel orientation sandstone ranges from
medium to very coarsed grain, moderate to poorly sorted,
beds generally show lateral
persistence Ta, Tab (Tabc ?)
Process/Mechanism:
High density turbidites,
grain flows, freezing from
liquefied flow
uppermost interval of channel fill
or channel margin sequence
Mainly composed of very thick unbedded-crudely bedded pebbly sandstone/mudstone,
and occassionally breccia, disorganized fabric arrangements, mostly matrix supported,
amalgamation, crudely gradded stratified, sharp
erosive basal surface, with pebble lag, slump-soft sediment deformation and stratified
blocks may present,no persistent thickness, , closed
vertical and lateral association with L-VIII and L-IIa, may show poorly defined coarsed
tail grading and inversed grading, Bouma divisions generally not applicable, indistinct
overall finer up are occassionally present.
poorly sorted, may generally show
poor beds lateral persistence
Process/Mechanism:
Grain flows, debris flow/mudflows,
and slumping
channel lag, basal division of
channel fill sequence/slope related
debris flow deposits
Figure 3: Description, interpretation, and occurences of common facies associations, facies term and
association is used here in the sense of Walker (1992) and the earlier term that provides a quite similar
implication in the sense of Middleton (1978).
nd
Regional Seminar
NW SE
?
?
Broad Shallow Valley System
Channel Filled-Complex
Shelf/Lower Shoreface System
Minor Channel Filled Sandstones
Abandoned Channel System
(Interchannel/Overbank ?)
Lobe/Channel Upper Interval (?)
?
Channel-Levee System
Minor Channel-Levee System
?
Fig. 4 Representative summary of depositional model for Brebes sections showing lateral and
vertical relationship of turbidite and associated facies
Figure 4: Representative summary of depositional model for Brebes sections showing lateral and vertical
relationship of turbidite and associated facies.
nd
Regional Seminar
N
?
?
Channel Filled-Complex
Shelf/Lower Shoreface System
Abandoned Channel System
(Interchannel/Overbank ?)
Lobe/Channel Upper Interval (?)
?
Channel-Levee System
Amalgamated Channel Fill System
Minor Channel-Levee System
SE S
Fig. 5 Representative summary of depositional model for Pemalang sections showing lateral and
vertical relationship of turbidite and associated facies
Figure 5: Representative summary of depositional model for Pemalang sections showing lateral and vertical
relationship of turbidite and associated facies.
nd
Regional Seminar
Depositional Dynamics of Mid Tertiary Deep-water
Sambipitu and Oya Formations of Southern
Mountains Area, SouthCentral Java
Wartono Rahardjo
1
1
Department of Geological
Engineering, Gadjah Mada
University, Jl. Grafica 2,
Yogyakarta 55281
Phone/Fax: 0274-513668
ABSTRACT
Sambipitu and Lower part of Oya Formations are known as deep-water deposit of Middle to
early Late Tertiary of Southern Mountains, Central Java. Sambipitu consists predominantly of
siliciclastic non carbonate turbidite beds on the lower part, followed by a more carbonate
sandstones at the top. Oya Formation begins as carbonate turbidite composed of packstones
and wackestones, with marls and tuffaceous marls interbeds of deep-water setting, overlain by
platy to thick-bedded limestones, indicating of shallowing environments.
Benthonic formaniferal study on both formations revealed that several swallowing periods
occurred during their deposition of the deep-water sediments. Intercalation of redbed in
Sambipitu event indicates that subaerial exposure may have been occurred. This oscillating
conditions are supported by the frequency changes of total population of microfossil content, as
well as the occurrence of barren zones.
Detailed planktonic studies are now underway to determine the accurate age of the fossil
frequency shifts, which eventually led to determination of whether the changes were caused by
local tectonics or global event of sea level fluctuations.
Deep-water Methods
nd
Regional Seminar
Biostratigraphy of Deep-water Sequences, A Holistic
Approach
R.J.Morley
1
, H. Pribatini
1
, A.A.H.Wonders
2
1
Palynova, 1 Mow Fen Rd,
Littleport, Cambs, UK
2
StrataData, 14, Lakeland
Drive, Frimley, Surrey, UK
ABSTRACT
Understanding biostratigraphic signatures in deep-water settings requires an approach that
challenges a number of the traditional concepts in biostratigraphy. This review, based on an
extensive database drawn from four low latitude petroleum provinces from Southeast Asia and
West Africa, emphasises that the three biostratigraphic disciplines of micropalaeontology,
nannopalaeontology and palynology each have a major role to play in deep-water sequence
evaluation. The basis of our approach is that the fossil record is an output signal of climatic
change, which affects sea level, oceanic water masses, sedimentary processes on continental
margins and terrestrial and coastal vegetation.
Micropalaeontology has been the traditional tool for stratigraphic and environmental
assessment of such facies, but often provides misleading results in cases where age restricted
planktonics and calcareous benthonic tests are removed by dissolution, common at bathyal
water depths. Also, large-scale downslope transport of foraminifera from the shelf commonly
results in the in situ assemblages being overwhelmed by shallow water forms, leaving little hint
of the true deep-water environmental setting. Furthermore, only a few foraminiferal abundance
and diversity maxima truly reflect maximum flooding surfaces. Identification of such flooding
surfaces is often possible only through the integration of foraminiferal data with nannofossil,
palynological and lithological data.
Primarily we use foraminiferal assemblages to characterise various deep-water facies and to
differentiate phases of sediment transportation through the differentiation of transported shallow
water forms from the autochthonous fauna. Planktonic foraminifera play a role in age
interpretation.
The nannofossil record tends to be a little more resilient to dissolution in deep-water settings,
and hence nannofossils may still be common in some facies where calcareous foraminifera
have been removed by dissolution. Their primary role is in age interpretation, and sequence
fingerprinting. As with foraminifera, nannofossil abundance and diversity maxima only
occasionally reflect maximum flooding surfaces; many nannofossil abundance maxima reflect
secondary condensed sections within the lowstand systems tract.
The majority of the palynomorphs found in deep-water slope settings within the areas
considered are derived from terrestrial sources rather than being from the marine environment,
being transported into this setting mainly by gravity flow processes. For sequence stratigraphic
interpretation, the palynomorph record is very valuable, for it gives information about processes
taking place on the shelf, such as sediment sequestration, retrogradation and progradation. It is
in the shelf setting that the processes that determine sequence architecture primarily take
place, and so in a deep-water setting, far from the effects of interaction of sea level change in
nd
Regional Seminar
relation to the continental shelf, such information is critical. Palynological data also provides
evidence for climate change. Intermittently cooler and drier tropical climates coincide with
phases of low sea levels and result in major fluctuations of vegetation. These changes are
reflected in the palynological record and their differentiation helps to differentiate lowstand
deposits from those sequestered on the shelf.
Palynology is thus primarily of value in the differentiation of systems tracts on the basis of
evidence for changing coastal plain geomorphology and changing climate; it has a secondary
role in age interpretation.
Each discipline therefore provides a different aspect of deep-water sequence evaluation. If a
biostratigraphic evaluation is envisaged as giving information on sequence age, sedimentary
facies and water depth, and systems tract interpretation, all three disciplines should be used in
conjunction. In all three disciplines, quantitative evaluation is crucial for a proper interpretation
of results.
nd
Regional Seminar
PetroleumSystems and Evolving Seismic
Interpretation Technologies in Makassar Deep-water
Exploration
Dwi Martono
1
, Parada D. Silitonga
1
, Richard H. Tamba
1
and Djoko N. Imanhardjo
1
1
PERTAMINA
Exploration Division
ABSTRACT
Oil discoveries in deep-water have increased the oil industrys attention on the potential of
passive margin petroleum systems worldwide. The key elements of the system are an effective
source rock and a progradational clastic sediment supply to provide reservoir, the overburden
maters, and the structural deformation. The Miocene to recent progradation of the Mahakam
river provides the clastic sediment supply, creating toe thrust and anticlines structures in the
deep-water area.
The 2D Regional Seismic lines and 3D Seismic data which covered the studied area detecting
the presence of large structure. Some of these structures have associated hydrocarbon
indicators and will be displayed as a confined reservoir. Large stratigraphic features are also
evident on the seismic in Mahakam deep-water area, indicating the possibilities of an
unconfined reservoir geometry. Using some of the seismic attributes and incoherency from 3D
Seismic data with the observed algorithm and techniques could determine the lateral
distribution of these stratigraphic features. High amplitude reflection packets are visible in 2D
seismic data, showing that the process of channel incision, levee building and channel stacking,
associated with turbidities flows, have operated throughout the deposition of the sediments and
throughout the lower slope region.
The clearly imaged flat spot/flat-based amplitude anomalies also provide the most compelling
evidence for active petroleum systems within the deep to ultra deep-water province of the
Mahakam Delta.
GEOBODY
Figure 1: Reflection Magnitude could determine a real Geobody from 2D Seismic Data
FEEDER
CHANNEL
SANDY
FAN SHAPE
LOWER
SLOPE
BASIN
FLOOR
PONDED
BASIN
Figure 2: An example of deep sea stratigraphic features performed from variance cubes 3D-seismic data
nd
Regional Seminar
Upper Miocene Turbidite Playfairway in The NamCon
Son Basin, Offshore Vietnam
Hoang Ngoc Dang
1
and Nguyen Thanh Tri
1
1
BP Exploration Vietnam
ABSTRACT
The Nam Con Son Basin in offshore Vietnam is a large Tertiary extensional basin, formed as
the result of extrusion of SE Asia due to the collision of India and Eurasia and strongly
influenced by the South China Sea spreading.
The basin evolution comprises two rifting phases in Oligocene and Middle Miocene and a post-
rift phase since Late Miocene onward. Marine transgression began from Early Miocene,
reaching maximum at end of Middle Miocene. The Middle Miocene rifting together with
maximum marine transgression at the time have established a typical marine environment in
the basin, ranging from shelf, slope and deep-water during Late Miocene. In such conditions, a
deep-water turbidite sandstone system has been well developed in the basin center.
The geometry of turbidites depends on several factors, but was strongly controlled by seabed
morphology and therefore it was changing from more channeling-like at lower stratigraphic level
to more fan-like at upper stratigraphic level. Seismic attributes are used as good tool to
describe the distribution and characteristics of these turbidite sandstones.
Gas and condensate have been discovered and the turbidite play became an important
exploration objective of the basin.
Makassar
nd
Regional Seminar
Depositional Systems of The Deep-water Tarakan
Basin, Indonesia
Kaj Hemmes
1
, Herman Darman
1
, Leonardus Suffendy
1
, and Meizarwin
2
1
Shell E&P Companies in
Indonesia, Jakarta,
Indonesia
2
Atlantic Richfield
Indonesia Inc, Jakarta,
Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Exploration activity in the Tarakan Basin spans more than a century. Numerous oil and gas
discoveries have been made onshore on the Tarakan and Bunyu structural highs. Offshore,
only the shallow water deltaic sequence has been tested so far.
Recently, 2000 km of modern 2D seismic data were acquired over the deep-water area and
used to develop reservoir depositional models for oil and gas exploration.
The Tarakan Basin constitutes a passive continental margin with Late Eocene-Recent
sediments on continental to oceanic crust, created during the Middle-Late Eocene opening of
the Celebes Sea. Rifting ceased during the early Oligocene with quiet marine conditions
prevailing until the Middle Miocene uplift of the Borneo hinterland. The latter uplift triggered a
massive influx of turbidites in the deep-water area, deposited as unconfined toe of slope fans
ahead of the outbuilding Tarakan delta. During Plio-Pleistocene delta outbuilding, this sequence
was buried by rapidly prograding slope deposits, which triggered gravity-driven toe thrusting.
Small basins were formed between thrust ridges and filled by slope deposits. In the southern
part of the delta, westward dipping normal faults limited progradation, resulting in excessive
thickening of the Pliocene-Pleistocene deltaic sequence and limiting sediment influx into the
deep-water area.
Several potential reservoir systems are recognized in the deep-water area. These include 1)
unconfined toe of slope fans, 2) confined intra-slope fans, and 3) intra-slope channel (-levee)
systems. Further seismic and exploratory drilling will be required to confirm the lateral extent
and sand proneness of the deep-water plays.
nd
Regional Seminar
Bathymetry
not mapped
500
11900'E 11800'E
400'N
300'N
200'N
11700'E
TIDUNG
SUB-BASIN
NEOGENE
EXTRUSIVE
NEOGENE CARBONATE
COMPLEX
QUARTENARY
NEOGENE
PALAEOGENE
CRETACEOUS
IGNEOUS ROCK
Sub-Basin Boundary
WITH SOME IGNEOUS ROCKS
NW-SE ANTICLINAL
ARCHES
LEGEND
PRETERTIARY SEDIMENTS
N
MUARA
SUB-BASIN
INTRUSIVE
BERAU
SUB-BASIN
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Bunyu
Arch
Tarakan
Arch
Latih
Anticline
Mangkalihat
Peninsula
Sempurna
Peninsula
Folding, Thrusting &
Shale Diapirism
0 100 km
M
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TARAKAN
SUB-BASIN
MAJOR FAULT ZONE
Figure 1: Location map of Tarakan Basin.
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Regional Seminar
Figure 2: Regional tectonic framework of Kalimantan and Sulawesi
20(47 MY)
19 (46 MY)
Middle-LateEocene Spreading
18 (43 MY)
N
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L
AWESI TRENC
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(15
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0 MY
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A
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S
ubd
uc
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M
IN
AHASA B
A
S
IN
GORONTALO BASIN
TARAKAN
BASI N
MUARA
BASIN
KUTEI BASIN
KALIMANTAN
SARAWAK
BRUNEI
SABAH
MINDANAO
SULU SEA
SOUTH CHINA SEA
CELEBES SEA
(SULAWESI SEA)
MAKASSARSTRAIT
SULUARCHIPELAGO
PALAWAN
NEGROS
SULAWESI
5N
10N
0
125E 120E 115E
0 300 KM
Cross section
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?
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0
5000
10000
0
5000
10000
Hol oce ne
Upper Eocene-Mio cene
Pl io-Pleist ocene
Oceanic Crust
TARAKANDELTA SULAWESI SEA NORTH SULAWESI TRENCH
SEBAWANG II PSC BUKA T PSC
T ERRACED SLOPE BASIN F L OOR
AMB AL AT PSC
Accretiona ry wedge
rece nt subd ucti on
42-33 Ma
?Spreading Axis?
TWT in ms
TWT in ms
0 50 km
Plio-Pleistocene
Miocene
DEEP WATER PLAYS
Plio-Pleistocene intra slopechannel s and channel levee
compl exes
Pliocene intra slope confined/pondedfans
Mi ocene toe of slope unconf ined fans
Figure 3: Regional cross section and schematic play concept in the deep-water Tarakan Basin
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Regional Seminar
Litho-Biofacies Variations of Recent-Subrecent
Deep-water Sediment of MahakamDelta:
A Paleoclimatological Preliminary Study on A Stable
Thermo-Salinity Environment
D.A.S. Ranawijaya
1
, D. Rostyati
1
, N. Sutisna
1
, N.A. Kristanto
1
, Y. Noviadi
1
, E. Usman
1
, N.
Cahyo
1
, J. Widodo
1
, and S. Lubis
1
1
Marine Geological
Institute of Indonesia
(MGI); Jl. Dr. Junjunan 236
Bandung-40174
Phone: 022.6078303,
6032020, 6032201
E-mail :
geologippgl@bdg.centrin.n
et.id
ABSTRACT
There is no influence of sea surface current layer (Wyrtki, 1961) at the study area even that is
very correlated with monsoonal intensity. The possible cause is the deep-water thermohaline
current (Gordon, 1980), that responsible for most of all phenomenal variations. The
combination of monsoon-global climate-thermohaline oceanic circulation would be a very
precise solution to answer the study area .
The result of unconsolidated sediment core analysis of offshore Mahakam Delta illustrates that
the fluctuations of lithology and microfaunal composition are correlated with the variations of
oceanic current due to thermohaline and monsoonal intensity. Based on planktonic microfauna
assemblage analysis, we can also interpret that there were some fluctuations signal due to
variations of primary productivity and sedimentation cycles or continental erosion.
Correlation between litho-facies variations curve and high resolution oxygen isotop curve can
be interpretated as a combination of a local-global climatological signal. Therefore it might
determine correlatively the age of each litological layer, so then we can calculate the rate of
sedimentation.
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Regional Seminar
Merah Besar and West Seno Field Discoveries:
Examples of Exploration Success on The Slope
Environment, Confined Turbidity Channel Sand,
Deep-water Kutei Basin, Indonesia
Jossy C. Inaray
1
, Yusak H. Setiawan
1
, Rhys Schneider
1
, Jesse T. Noah
1
, and Eko Lumadyo
2
1
Unocal Indonesia Co.,
Balikpapan, Indonesia
2
Unocal Corporation,
Sugar Land, Texas.
ABSTRACT
Exploration on the Kutei Basin has indicated that abundant Pliocene and Miocene sand was
deposited on the shelf-platform environment of the active Mahakam delta. Seismic
interpretation showed that a number of low areas so-called mini basins, which were formed by
shelf-edge listric-normal faulting, was identified on the slope environment. Several wells drilled
on the upper slope environment and seismic data along with the present day bathymetri profiles
led us to the interpretation that during Miocene lowstands significant sand transported by
turbidity currents through deeply incised slope canyons should have been confined in these
continental slope mini basins. Merah Besar field discovery in 1996 and West Seno field
discovery in 1998 proved this interpretation and significantly provided inputs to the exploration
of Upper Miocene, slope environment, confined turbidite sand, deep-water Kutei Basin.
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Regional Seminar
Hydrocarbon Discoveries in Upper Miocene
Unconfined Submarine Fan Facies, Deep-water Kutei
Basin, Indonesia
John B. Dunham
1
and L.D McKee
1
1
Unocal Indonesia Co.,
Balikpapan, Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Exploration on the Ganal PSC has led to several significant gas discoveries. The key elements
of the hydrocarbon system are simple anticlinal four-way closures that contain thick laterally
extensive sand bodies. Most significantly, the sands were deposited prior to structural growth,
with the result that the sands do not thin over the crests of the structures. Initial exploration
was based on a relatively coarse 2 x 2 km grid of 2D seismic data. This 2D grid revealed
numerous large anticlines at 4500 to 7000 water depth. Since it was known that abundant
Pliocene and Miocene sand existed on the Kutei shelf, it was interpreted that significant sand
should have been deposited in the basin during Miocene lowstands, prior to Pliocene structural
growth. We did not need 3D data to interpret presence of reservoir.
Hydrocarbon charge was predicted along deep-penetrating faults, sourced from terrestrial
kerogen carried into the basin by turbidity currents, with top seals formed by thick hemipelagic
claystone sections. All the elements of a working hydrocarbon system were present, and well
locations were chosen directly from the 2D grid.
Our exploration philosophy was that if sands were present in the closures, then 3D would be
acquired to delineate and develop the discoveries. In fact, excellent reservoir-quality gas sands
were discovered in several Ganal anticlines. 3D seismic data subsequently acquired over the
Gendalo discovery shows a large unconfined submarine fan covering at least 20000 acres, with
an internal architecture of broad laterally continuous overlapping fan lobes.
MDT data demonstrate continuous pressure communication within the fan over a lateral
distance of 3.7 km. Additional gas discoveries were also made in the Gandang, Gula, and
Gada structures, and reserves are estimated to be in the multiple TCF range. There are two
significant lessons to be learned from this successful exploration program. First, we did not
need a 3D structural/stratigraphic seismic interpretation to drill these structures. Our 2D grid
was adequate to define large anticlines that would have been drilled 50 years ago if they were
in shallow water. Second, the presence of abundant sand on the Kutei shelf clearly pointed to
the high probability of significant deep-water sands in the basin. It was not necessary to cover
the entire 5050 sq. km. area of the Ganal PSC with 3D data in order to make these discoveries.
However, 2 km x 2 km 2D seismic data is not adequate to guide development of these
discoveries. That will take 3D data.
Eastern Indonesia
Depositional Environment Of The Late Cretaceous
Pitap Group, Meratus Mountain, Southeast
Kalimantan
R. Heryanto
1
, P. Sanyoto
1
, H. Panggabean
1
and K. Hasan
1
1
Development Centre,
Bandung
ABSTRACT
The Pitap Group in Meratus Mountain is divisible into Pudak, Keramaian and Manunggul
Formations. These formations have inter-fingering relationships one to each other. The lower
part of the Pudak Formation is an olistostrom with olistolith such as Orbitolina Limestone and
volcanic rock, bounded within the matrix of volcanic sandstone. They were deposited in a
continental slope. The upper portion of Pudak Formation comprises medium- to coarse-grained
volcanic sandstone interbedded with gravity and mass flows conglomerate/breccia, and was
deposited as an upper submarine fan.
The Keramaian Formation consists of typical fine- to medium-grained turbidite sandstone which
was deposited as a lower submarine fan. The Manunggul Formation consisting of
conglomerate, sandstone and mudstone was deposited in a middle submarine fan environment.
Volcanic activity has produced volcanic rocks of the Haruyan Group deposited coinciding with
the deposition of the Pitap Group, where their relationships are interfingering. They have been
deposited during Late Cretaceous time directly above the imbricated basement consisting the
Batununggal Limestone, Paniungan Mudstone, ultramafic, metamorphic and granitic rocks.
They are also acted as a source rocks for the Pitap Group. The Tertiary sedimentary rocks
unconformably overlie both Pitap and Haruyan Groups.
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Regional Seminar
Origin of Pliocene Deep-water Sedimentation in
Salawati Basin, Eastern Indonesia : Deposition in
Inverted Basin and Exploration Implications
Awang H. Satyana
1
and ImamSetiawan
1
1
Exploration - Pertamina
MPS (Management of
Production Sharing)
ABSTRACT
Salawati Basin is a foreland basin located at the frontal edge of the Indian-Australian
continental plate. Sorong Fault, a major strike-slip fault in Eastern Indonesia and terminating
the basin to the north, has inverted the basins polarity in the Late Pliocene by subsiding the
whole northwestern part of the basin. Before this inversion, the Salawati Basin had a southern
depocenter.
The newly formed northwestern depocenter has subsided rapidly since the inversion as an
isostatic compensation to the southern and eastern uplifts. This condition resulted in the
accommodation space for northwestern deep-water sedimentation. Sediments were eroded
from the uplifted areas and deposited rapidly into the subsiding basin as debris flow deposits of
Pliocene Klasaman sediments within bathyal depositional environment. The depocenter was
increasingly subsided by tectonic loading of the contemporaneous Upper Klasaman multiple
thrust sheets.
Thick deep Klasaman deposits became burial sediments for the Miocene source rocks once
deposited in the lagoonal environment to attain a depth of oil window. Rapid Klasaman
deposition triggered overpressuring and shale diapirism. The deposition was too fast for the
sediments to compact and dewater in normal way. Overburden pressure and lack of permeable
conduits caused the overpressuring. The Klasaman overpressuring presents a drilling hazard
as undergone by all wells drilled in the area. Low densities of overpressured Klasaman shales
caused the shales flowed upward as diapirs. Sorong Tectonism controlled these diapirs as
shown by their parallel trends with the Sorong Fault. The Klasaman diapirism may relate with
hydrocarbon traps of faulted domal structures, dragged beds below the diapirs overhang
zones, faulted beds in the peripheral sinks, and turtle structures.
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Regional Seminar
INTRODUCTION
Recent success of exploring hydrocarbons in deep-water
reservoirs throughout the world has enhanced the
understanding of deep-water sedimentation. Concepts within
seismic sequence stratigraphy have contributed very
significantly to this success. However, understanding of the
depositional system relating to various tectonic setting has
not been fully understood. This paper contributes some
concepts to this understanding by addressing the case in the
Salawati Basin, Eastern Indonesia.
The Salawati Basin, Eastern Indonesia, based on our recent
regional evaluation, is a poly-history basin with the history of
basins polarity inversion during its evolution. Sorong Fault
Tectonism bordering the Salawati Basin to the north and
west has strongly controlled the basin since the Pliocene.
The Sorong Fault has inverted the basins polarity from the
old pre-Pliocene southern depocenter to the new Pliocene
northwestern depocenter. Within the Pliocene, the new
depocenter has subsided rapidly forming a deep-water basin.
The Pliocene Klasaman sediments eroded from the southern
and eastern uplifted areas were deposited very rapidly into
the subsiding deep basin. The rapid Klasaman deposition
triggered overpressuring and shale diapirism. Exploration
implications of this Pliocene deep-water sedimentation are
also addressed in the paper.
GEOLOGIC SETTING
The Salawati Basin is an east - west trending asymmetric
foreland basin located on the northern margin of the Indo-
Australian Plate. The deformed zone of the left-lateral
Sorong Fault presently bounds the basin to the north and
west. The present structural style of the basin is dominated
by NNE - SSW normal faults formed as conjugates of the
Sorong Fault. The Sorong Fault has also developed en
echelon folds and synthetic left-lateral faults with normal slip
in the Salawati Island. (Figure 1).
The Salawati Basin records the stratigraphic and tectonic
history from Paleozoic time to the Recent (Figure 2). The
oldest stratigraphic sequence of the basin is the continental
basement rocks of the Siluro-Devonian Kemum metamorphic
and Carbo-Permian Aifam sediments. Overlying the
basement are Mesozoic sediments (Tipuma and
Kembelangan groups). Tertiary sediments of the Salawati
Basin began with the Late Eocene to Early Oligocene
transgressive carbonates of the Faumai Formation. Overlying
the carbonates, is the Late Oligocene shallow marine clastics
of the Sirga Formation. Thick carbonates of the Miocene Kais
Formation cover this formation. The thick Kais carbonate
deposition was contemporaneous with the Klasafet lagoonal
deposits. The Pliocene Klasaman clastics ended the Tertiary
stratigraphic sequences composing the thickest sediments in
the Salawati Basin. This paper discusses these sediments.
Molassic deposits of the Pleistocene Sele conglomerates
end the stratigraphy of the basin.
ORIGIN OF PLIOCENE SALAWATI DEEP-
WATER BASIN
The Sorong Fault presently bounding the Salawati Basin to
the north has strongly controlled the evolution of the basin.
Regionally, this fault is part of a large global transcurrent
zone that separates the westward moving Pacific oceanic
(Caroline and Philippine Sea) plate from the relatively stable
Australian continental plate. The fault trends east-west as
left-lateral (sinistral strike-slip) fault.
Based on the thickness of the formations, it is known that the
Salawati Basin has had a long history of dipping southward
into which sediments from the Late Paleozoic to the Miocene
thickened (Figure 3). Some formations onlapped to the north.
However, this basins polarity was disturbed significantly
when the Sorong Fault Tectonism strongly controlled the
basins configuration.
At the Middle-Late Miocene time, the Salawati Basin started
tilting southwestward possibly due to initial plates
readjustment around the Northern Irian Jaya and Southwest
Pacific. This had shifted the depocenter slightly to the
southwest and consequently, the eastern part of the basin
was uplifted. At the Mio-Pliocene, the Salawati Basin started
to undergo significant tectonic changes. This was possibly
related with the changes in plates movement around the
north of Irian Jaya and the Southwest Pacific. The Sorong
Fault was formed to accommodate the oblique convergence
between the Philippine Sea Plate and northern Australian
Continental Plate. The southern, southeastern, eastern and
northeastern parts of the basin were increasingly uplifted.
Consequently, the western, northwestern, and northern parts
of the basin were subsided. This configuration resulted in the
condition of reversed basin's polarity as compared to the
conditions of the pre-Miocene periods.
In the end of mid-Pliocene, the Salawati Basin started to tilt
significantly to the north, northwest and west providing large
space of accommodation for depositing sediments eroded
from the uplifted areas (Figure 4). Upper Klasaman
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Regional Seminar
sediments were rapidly deposited into this new basin which
was contemporaneously subsiding. In this area, the Upper
Klasaman reached its maximum thickness constituting more
than two third of the basin's strata. The new basin,
consequently, was more subsiding due to very thick burial
loads. The basin also subsided due to tectonic response of
isostatic compensation to the southern and eastern uplifting.
Contemporaneously, the Sorong Tectonism was also taking
place to deform the Upper Klasaman during the Late
Pliocene. This has also subsided the new basin due to
tectonic loading of the contemporaneous Upper Klasaman
multiple thrust sheets.
Thus, there are at least three mechanisms which caused the
inversion/reversal of the Salawati Basins polarity resulting in
a deep-water basin. They are : (1) subsidence due to
isostatic compensation to uplifting, (2) subsidence due to
very thick burial sediments, and (3) subsidence due to
tectonic loading of multiple thrust sheets. These three
mechanisms are related to each other and triggered by the
Sorong Tectonism.
DEEP-WATER SEDIMENTATION OF
KLASAMAN
Uplifted areas in the southern, eastern, and northeastern
parts of the Salawati Basin became the provenances of the
Pliocene Klasaman sediments deposited in the subsiding
northern and western basin. These provenances were : (1)
to the south and east were the uplifted Miocene Kais
carbonates of the Misool-Onin Geanticline and the Ayamaru
Platform respectively and (2) to the northeast was continental
basement, metasediments, oceanic fragments, and some
Kais/Klasafet sediments of the Kemum High.
Klasaman sedimentation was started by the deposition of the
Early Pliocene Lower Klasaman in inner to outer sublittoral
environments with lagoonal facies developed in some areas.
This formation mainly consists of calcareous shales with
limestone and siltstone stringers indicating provenances of
uplifted Klasafet and Kais carbonates. The Lower Klasaman
slightly thickens to the north revealing the first emergence of
the northern depocenter. Before this, all pre-Lower Klasaman
formations thickened to the south. This indicates that the
inversion of the Salawati Basins polarity initially occurred in
the Early Pliocene.
Significant deep-water sedimentation took place when the
Late Pliocene Upper Klasaman sediments were deposited.
This period was contemporaneous with the initiation of major
episode of the Sorong Tectonism. The Kemum High at the
northeastern part of the basin contributed most of the
sediments. Huge volume of the Upper Klasaman sediments
was deposited into the basin mostly as turbiditic debris flow
within bathyal setting. Marly clays with a more or less silts
and sands dominate the deep-water sedimentation in the
northwestern area (Figure 5). The sediments close to the
provenance (in the Sele Strait area) are characterized
dominantly by coarse sands with significant lithic content.
More to the west and northwest, the depositional
environment was increasingly deeper since the basin was
more tilting. In this area, the bathyal condition was reached
and the sediments obtained their highest rate of
sedimentation (Figure 6). Three wells penetrating the
sediments in this region generally consist of rapid alternation
of clays, siltstones and sandstones.
KLASAMAN SHALE DIAPIRISM
Shale-dominating Lower Klasaman and coarser rapid
deposits of Upper Klasaman triggered the Klasaman
shale/mud diapirism. Mud diapirism is mostlikely to develop
in clay sequences underneath the thick, rapidly deposited
regressive sandy sequences (Allen and Allen, 1990).
Subsidence of the Salawati Basin is approximately equaled
by the rise of the Klasaman diapir. The deposition of the
Upper Klasaman was too fast for the Lower Klasaman clays
to compact and dewater in normal way. Low densities of
overpressured Klasaman clays caused the clays flowed
upward as diapirs. Doming and piercing of diapiric materials
occur primarily because the density of the plastic materials is
lower than that of the overlying sediments (OBrien, 1968;
Lemon, 1985). This density inversion causes gravitational
instability or tectonic vertical stress.
The distribution of the Klasaman diapirs shows an alignment
with the major structural element (Figure 7), indicating that
these diapirs were triggered tectonically by the horizontal
stress of the Sorong Fault Tectonism.
Seismic sections (Figures 8,9 ) show that the Klasaman
diapirs had passed through all stages of diapiric development
: (1) pillow, (2) diapir, and (3) post-diapir stages. Structures
associated with these three stages are observed. Rim
synclines were formed right to the diapirs and are
increasingly steeper towards the younger section. The
peripheral sinks immediately adjacent to the rim synclines
were the sites of active subsidence and therefore the sites
for considerable thickening of the sediments being deposited
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Regional Seminar
at that time. At the upper section, reverse and thrust faults
were formed within the peripheral sinks. The faults generally
verge to the south. Turtle structure is also observed to form.
Underlying the diapirs, the Klasafet and Kais formations are
deformed by normal faults down to the north. These faults
are compensating faults due to the basin subsidence to the
north. Overlying the diapirs, the uppermost section of the
Klasaman was deformed as surface anticlines or faults,
partly forming the fold and thrust belts of North Salawati.
EXPLORATION IMPLICATIONS
Deep-water Klasaman sedimentation have some implications
on hydrocarbon exploration. Three aspects are discussed :
presence of diapiric traps, maturation of hydrocarbon
sources, and drilling hazard due to overpressuring.
The Klasaman diapirism may relate with hydrocarbon traps
(Figures 8, 9). The flowing and doming of plastic materials at
deep levels play an important role in the formation of oil and
gas traps in overlying strata (Wang Xie-Pei et al., 1982).
Evidence that the Klasaman diapirism is closely related with
the hydrocarbon accumulation is shown by numerous oil and
gas seeps at the fold and thrust belts of North Salawati.
These fold and thrust belts partly represent the faulted domal
structures overlying the diapirs. The dragged Intra-Klasaman
sand beds against the walls of the diapirs and below the
overhang zones of the diapirs also provide the diapiric traps.
Faulted beds in the upper sections of the Klasaman
Formation and turtle structures within the peripheral sinks are
potential hydrocarbon traps as well. Reservoir quality of
Intra-Klasaman sands and the presence of faults for vertical
migration conduits connecting mature Lower Klasaman,
Klasafet and Kais sources with the Intra-Klasaman traps
seems to hold the keys for hydrocarbon accumulation. In the
absence of these conduits, then the interbedded Intra-
Klasaman shales should be mature and have generative
capacity to make the accumulation possible.
Miocene Klasafet/Kais shales and carbonates are the proven
main source rocks of the Salawati Basin. The sediments
were deposited in lagoonal environment at the northern area
when the basin still tilted to the south (Figure 10). As the
basins polarity inversion took place, the area subsided to the
north and was immediately deeply buried by the Klasaman
sediments to attain a such depth of the oil window.
Hydrocarbons were generated and started to migrate updip.
Thermal modeling revealed that 3.8 Ma (mid-Pliocene time)
as the initiation of major oil generation from the Klasafet/Kais
and this was contemporaneous with the commencement of
the basins polarity inversion. The Early Pliocene Lower
Klasaman shales are also proven source rocks and they also
became mature when very thick Upper Klasaman sediments
buried these sources.
Klasaman overpressuring presents a drilling hazard. Three
wells drilled in this area : Waipili-1 (1956), Waibu-1 (1957),
and West Island Reef (WIR) -1 (1993) all encountered drilling
problem due to penetrating overpressured Klasaman shales.
Waipili-1 found gas activity and a blowout in the shallow
Upper Klasaman sediments. Waibu-1 and WIR-1
encountered severe technical difficulties in the overpressured
Klasaman shales and each well was sidetracked into four
sidetrack holes due to pipe sticking. Later seismic data
(1991) show that both Waipili-1 and Waibu-1 wells are
located at the diapiric surface anticlines.
CONCLUSIONS
The Salawati Basin, Eastern Indonesia, records the
deep-water sedimentation of the Late Pliocene Upper
Klasaman sediments. This deep-water basin was formed
by the inversion of the basins polarity and was strongly
controlled by the Sorong Tectonism.
The Upper Klasaman sediments were deposited very
rapidly into the subsiding basin and the sedimentation
has triggered the diapirism within the deep basin.
Rapid deposition of the Upper Klasaman sediments has
three exploration implications : (1) to subside the
Salawati Basin to the depth of oil window, (2) to provide
diapiric hydrocarbon traps, and (3) to present drilling
hazard due to diapiric overpressuring.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This paper roots from the regional studies conducted by the
Salawati Exploration Group of the Pertamina and Santa Fe
Energy Resources. The first author joined the Group in 1997-
2000. Isnaini from Santa Fe Salawati is thanked for providing
seismic supports. Sartono and Sugiri from Santa Fe Salawati
drafted most of the figures. The management of the JOB
Pertamina-Santa Fe Salawati and the Exploration
Department of the Pertamina MPS (Management of
Production Sharing) is acknowledged for the supports to this
paper.
nd
Regional Seminar
REFERENCES
Allen, P.A. and Allen, J.R., 1990, Basin analysis : principles
and applications, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford,
451 ps.
Lemon, N.M., 1985, Physical modeling of sedimentation
adjacent to diapirs and comparison with Late Precambrian
Oratunga breccia body in Central Flinders Ranges, South
Australia, The AAPG Bulletin, V. 69, No. 9, p. 1327-1338.
OBrien, G.D., 1968, Survey of diapirs and diapirism in
Braunstein, J. and OBrien, G.D., eds., Diapirism and Diapirs
: AAPG Memoir No. 8, The AAPG, Tulsa, p. 1-9.
Satyana, A.H., 1999, Basin polarity reversal and rotation of
the Salawati Island : implications on petroleum system and
new potential reserves of the Salawati Basin, Irian Jaya,
Proceedings Lomba Karya Tulis Direktorat EP Pertamina, p.
9-38.
Wang Xie-Pei, Fei Qi, Zhang Jia-Hua, 1985, Cenozoic
diapiric traps in Eastern China, The AAPG Bulletin, V. 69,
No. 12, p. 2098-2109.
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Regional Seminar
Submarine-Fan Deposition in The Lower Steenkool
Formation, Bintuni Basin, Irian Jaya, Eastern
Indonesia: Deep-water Reservoir Potential?
Kuntadi Nugrahanto
1
, Scott W. McFall
2
, and Festarina Estella
3
1
Geologist, BP Indonesia,
Arkadia D-5, Jl.TB
Simatupang Kav.88,
Jakarta 12520, Indonesia
2
Geophysical Specialist,
BP Indonesia, Arkadia D-5,
Jl.TB Simatupang Kav.88,
3
Geophysicist Exploration
BP Indonesia, Arkadia D-5,
Jl.TB Simatupang Kav.88,
ABSTRACT
It is commonly recognized that the transpressional motions associated with the evolution of the
northern Australian margin and Pacific plate have been active since the Miocene time. In the
early stage of this tectonic phase (Early-Middle Miocene), sub-aerially exposed local high areas
occurred on the remnant Oligocene-aged ridges (Ubadari, Sekak, Wiriagar) and on the northern
margin (Kemum) of the Bintuni Basin. While to the east, the Lengguru orogenic belt was still in
the early folding stage. Later in the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene, these emergent areas
shed sediments to the south depositing the Steenkool Formation, which initiated the termination
of the Miocene carbonate sedimentation in the area. The subsequent Plio-Pleistocene
compressional tectonic event initiated the overthrusting phase of the Lengguru fold belt, which
occurred in association with the subsidence of the adjacent deep Bintuni Basin.
The scope of this study is the clastic interval that was deposited post Kais deposition during the
Late Miocene to Pliocene. It is in part conformably and unconformably overlain the Kais
limestone. An overall upward coarsening strata characterizes the vertical change from the
Klasafet to Steenkool Formations. The depositional environment changes from deep-water
Klasafet (outer shelf to upper bathyal) to deltaic to deep-water Lower Steenkool.
Although only a limited grid of 1970s vintage 2D seismic data image the Bintuni Basin in this
difficult rain forest environment, the data quality are sufficient to recognize seismic stratigraphic
signatures corresponding to deep-water depositional features. Early Lowstand Wedge (ELW)
that consists of basin floor and slope fans, and Late Lowstand Wedge (LLW) that exhibits
progradational complexes with clinoformal and shingled geometries have been interpreted
within the Lower Steenkool interval.
The ELW feature has dimension of 30-70 ms TWT in thickness (130-300 feet), 30 km in length,
and 40 km in width. Two prograding complexes (PGC) in the LLW are clearly identified on the
seismic. The PGC has dimension of 100-370 ms TWT in thickness (450-1,650 feet), 20 to 40
km in length, and 30 to 40 km in width. Shingled-turbidite fan features within the PGC, called
ST, has dimension of ~24 to 30 ms TWT in gross thickness (~135 feet), 15 to 20 km in length,
and up to 35 km in width.
Sand-rich sections in the submarine fan are interpreted as ramp channel sandstone, while there
were no sand-rich sections penetrated in the ramp lobe fan. The coarsest grains penetrated
ranges from very fine to fine-grained sandstone, while the individual thickness of the sandstone
ranges from 5 to rarely 10 feet. Further works are needed in order to assess its potentiality as
producing reservoir.
nd
Regional Seminar
INTRODUCTION
The Arguni blocks consist of two Production Sharing
Contracts (PSC): the West (3,489 km
2
) and East (4,865 km
2
)
Arguni. These blocks are located just southeast of the
Tangguh field, east of the Babo PSC, and south of the Muturi
PSC. They lie from 100 feet water depth and swampy areas
in the northern portion, to lowland forest in the west, and
steep ridges that can reach an elevation of up to 4,000 feet
in the eastern part (Figure-1).
The Bintuni Basin is bounded to the west by the Onin
anticline, to the northwest by the NW-SE trend anticlinoriums
(Ubadari, Sekak, and Wiriagar). The Ayamaru Plateau and
Kemum highs are considered as the northern edge of this
basin. The N-S Lengguru fold and thrust belt is found as the
eastern boundary. This basin is limited to the south by the
W-E Tarera Aiduna left-lateral fault zone, the southern pair of
the Sorong left-lateral fault zone to the north (Figure-1).
Generalized stratigraphic succession in the Bintuni Basin is
simply divided into four major intervals: Permian to
Paleocene clastics, carbonate section of the Eocene to
Miocene, the Late Miocene to Pliocene and Plio-Pleistocene
to present day clastic intervals.
The West and East Arguni were awarded to ARCO (now BP)
and Inpex in 16 November 1998 for a 30 years term of
exploration and production, including 10 years exploration
program. There were ten wells drilled from 1948 to 1983. In
1948, Shell (NNGPM) did not reach their primary target, Kais
limestone, as the Steenkool-1 well had stuck pipe problem
and TD in the Klasafet Fm. During the 1970 to 1980,
Sunoco, Gulf, Esso, and Marathon unsuccessfully tested the
Kais reef carbonate build-up, the producing reservoir in the
Salawati and Mogoi fields. The last dry hole (Suga-1) drilled
by Trend in 1983 penetrated repeated Mesozoic sections in
the Lengguru fold belt.
The aim of this study is to preliminary investigate the deep-
water reservoir potentiality within the Pliocene section in the
Arguni blocks. Wells and 2D seismic data were utilized in
this assessment. The study mainly evaluates the West
Arguni PSC because most of the 1970s onshore 2D seismic
data were acquired in this part. It is clearly defined in the
seismic that there is a series of low stand deep-water
physiography. It consists of basin floor and slope fans in the
Early Lowstand Wedge (ELW), and prograding complex
associated with shingled-turbidite stratas in the Late
Lowstand Wedge (LLW).
TECTONIC ELEMENTS
The Bintuni Basin is bounded to the west by the Onin-
Kumawa highs that emerged during the Plio-Pleistocene
tectonic event. These highs are predominantly New Guinea
Limestone (NGL) outcrops. To the northwest, this basin is
limited by the Oligocene-aged and NW-SE trend
anticlinoriums (Ubadari, Sekak, and Wiriagar). These
anticlinoriums separate the Bintuni Basin to the smaller
Berau Basin to the west. The Ayamaru Plateau and Kemum
highs are considered as the northern edge of this basin,
where the sedimentary section is thinning and outcropping
along the southern edge of the high. The N-S Lengguru fold
and thrust belt is found as the eastern boundary. This fold
and thrust belt is variably composed by the NGL to Mesozoic
outcrops from west to the east, respectively. The
continuation of the deepest portion of the basin beneath the
frontal edge of this fold and thrust belt is considered. This
basin is limited to the south by the W-E Tarera Aiduna left-
lateral fault zone, the southern pair of the Sorong left-lateral
fault zone to the north (Figure-1).
The transpressional motions associated with the evolution of
the northern Australian margin to the north and the Pacific
plate to the west have been active since the Miocene time.
In the early stage of this tectonic phase (Early-Middle
Miocene), sub-aerially exposed local high areas occurred on
the remnant Oligocene-aged ridges (Ubadari, Sekak,
Wiriagar) and on the northern margin (Kemum) of the Bintuni
Basin. While to the east, the Lengguru orogenic belt was still
in the early folding stage. Later in the Late Miocene to Early
Pliocene, these emergent areas shed sediments to the south
depositing the Steenkool Formation, which initiated the
termination of the Miocene carbonate sedimentation in the
area. The subsequent Plio-Pleistocene compressional
tectonic event initiated the overthrusting phase of the
Lengguru fold belt, which occurred in association with the
subsidence of the adjacent deep Bintuni Basin.
STRATIGRAPHY
Generalized stratigraphic succession in the Bintuni Basin is
simply divided into four major intervals: (1) predominantly
Permian to Paleocene clastic, (2) carbonate section of the
Eocene to Miocene, (3) clastic interval from the Late Miocene
to Pliocene, (4) clastic interval from Plio-Pleistocene to
present day.
nd
Regional Seminar
The overall upward transgressive succession is applied to
the Permian-Paleocene clastic interval. Continental to
deltaic sequences in the Permo-Triassic is unconformably
overlain by the shallow to deep marine Mesozoic and
Paleocene intervals. A period of broad carbonate deposition
was begun in the Eocene, when the deep carbonate Faumai
limestone was deposited. Following the Oligocene
compressional event that associated with angular
unconformity, a broad platform carbonates Kais Fm.
developed throughout the Salawati, Birds Head, Bintuni, and
to the south to the Lengguru and Kaimana regions.
The Late Miocene Klasafet and Pliocene Lower Steenkool
Formations have been suggested as deep-water facies. This
interpretation is mainly based on biostratigraphic and
lithostratigraphic analyses of the well penetrations within the
Bintuni Basin. The Klasafet Fm., which conformably overlies
the Miocene Kais Formation carbonate strata through-out
most of the basin, consists of a fine to very fine-grained
clastic sequence deposited in an outer shelf to upper bathyal
environment. An overall upward coarsening characterizes
the vertical succession from the Klasafet Fm. to Lower
Steenkool Fm, Figure-1A. The depositional environment of
the overlying Lower Steenkool Fm. varies from shallow water
to deep marine (turbiditic) depending on the location within
the basin.
The subsequent major uplift, resulting from a Plio-
Pleistocene compressional tectonic event, created an
unconformity which partially removed Steenkool, Klasafet,
Kais and, in some locations, Pre-Tertiary stratas from the
surrounding high areas. This tectonic event initiated the
emerging and overthrusting phases of the Lengguru foldbelt,
which occurred in association with the subsidence of the
adjacent Bintuni Basin. The subsequent erosion associated
with this event resulted in the deposition of a regressive
sequence known as the Sele Fm. This formation that
conformably, and in some areas unconformably, overlie the
Steenkool strata, consists of more coarse-grained proximal
clastics from paralic to alluvial flood plain sediments
DEEP-WATER INDICATIONS: AT GLANCE
Lithology description of the Klasafet and Lower Steenkool
Formations based on cuttings, sidewall core, and
conventional core data lead us into a deep-water lithology
variation. All of eight wells indicate the presence of
predominantly light to dark grey calcareous claystone and
shale that interbedded with thinly bedded siltstone,
argillaceous limestone, marl, and minor fine to very fine-
grained sandstone. The claystone and shale are
occasionally pyritic and very rich in planktonic and deep-
water calcareous benthonic foraminiferas.
Supporting evidence from the biostratigraphy analysis in the
Monie-1, South Jarua-1 and Terie-1 wells confirms the
presence of the foraminifera assemblages. It characterizes
the marine environments from deep inner-outer shelf by the
presence of Textularia sp. and Discoaster pentaradiatus, to
upper bathyal by the increase in abundance of diverse
Globorotalia sp. Deep inner-outer shelf ranges from 300-600
feet (Berggren, 1983) or 225-450 feet (Boersma, 1983), while
upper bathyal ranges from 600-1,800 feet (Berggren, 1983).
SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY OF THE
SUBMARINE FAN
Early Lowstand Wedge (ELW)
Early Lowstand Wedge (ELW) consists of basin floor and
slope fans (BFSF), Figure-2. The BFSF is underlain by type-I
sequence boundary (SB-1). The other terminology of the
basin floor fan (bff) is lowstand fan (lsf), Posamentier and
Vail (1988). The bff is onlapped/downlapped onto a
sequence boundary (Mitchum, Sangree, Vail, Wornardt,
1993) in basinward position, laterally continuous, usually
sand-rich deposits, and described as type-1 turbidite stage
(Mutti, 1985). The sequence boundary where the bff lies is
characterized as type-I sequence boundary or SB-1 (Vail,
1987; Posamentier and Vail, 1988; Weimer and
Posamentier, 1993).
The slope fan (sf) is onlapped/downlapped onto the bff or
sequence boundary (Vail, 1987). It is described as type-3
turbidite stage (Mutti, 1985), consists primarily of channel-
levee systems (Mutti, 1985; Vail, 1987) or channel overbank
deposits (Vail, 1987; Weimer and Posamentier, 1993).
The bff or lsf was deposited during the rapid relative mean
sea-level drop from its highstands position, while the sf was
formed during the phase when relative mean sea-level drop
to the lowest point (Weimer and Posamentier, 1993).
The development of the lowstand wedge in the study area
can be tied to the transpressional motions associated with
the evolution of the northern Australian margin to the north
and the Pacific plate to the west. The early stage of this
nd
Regional Seminar
event resulted uplift on the Kais platform at Ayamaru
Plateau, northwest of the study area. The uplift event was
subsequently followed by the seaward shoreline shift, which
in turn, could deliver sediments further outboard to the distal
portion. Deep incision features that relative to the uplift
event are clearly identified on top of Kais carbonate through
to the seismic data in the Bintuni Bay area. The deepest part
of the incision features ranges from 40 to 50 ms TWT (180-
250 feet) in thickness. This is interpreted to be the
equivalent to a type-1 sequence boundary (SB-1), a marker
that separate Klasafet to the Lower Steenkool Formations
(Figure-4 and 5). In the Arguni area, this process can be
described in most of the wells if looking at the vertical change
from the finer-grained Klasafet to the coarser-grained Lower
Steenkool Formations, see Figure-1A.
The bff typically consists of a massive sand body that
interbedded with thin pelagic shales. At the outer edges of
the sand body interbedded shales may become common and
form local vertical barriers. Unfortunately, the BFSF part in
the study area is seismically difficult to differentiate the bff
and sf (Figure-4 and 5). Based on well penetrations, this part
is rich in pelagic claystone with very fine to fine-grained
calcareous sandstone, siltstone, and thin limestone layers,
which originally sourced from the eroded Kais carbonate.
The BFSF or ELW feature has dimension of 30-70 ms TWT
in thickness (130-300 feet), 30 km in length, and 40 km in
width, Figure-6.
Late Lowstand Wedge (LLW)
According to deep-water models that have been proposed by
Mutti (1985), Vail (1987), Posamentier and Vail (1988),
Posamentier et al. (1991), Weimer and Posamentier (1993),
the clinoform features seen in the seismic can be interpreted
as the prograding complex (PGC).
The PGC is onlapped onto the sequence boundary updip,
and downlapped onto the sf downdip. It primarily consists of
prograding clinoforms, while turbidite systems may develop
at toe of those clinoforms as shingled-turbidites (ST), Vail,
1987; Mitchum et al., 1993. Seismic feature analogs are
taken from the Permian Basin in West Texas and the
Exmouth Plateau offshore Australia (Figure-3)
The PGC formed between phases of the lowest relative
mean sea level and the first phase of relative mean sea-level
rise. Therefore, Posamentier and Vail (1988) described the
PGC as the Late Lowstand Wedge (LLW). It is subsequently
overlain by a transgressive surface, a first flooding surface
above the maximum regression (Weimer and Posamentier,
1993).
Shew (1997) subdivided stratal criteria for PGC into: (1)
simple PGC, when the base of the unit downlaps directly
onto the top of the underlying sf or older PGC, (2) PGC with
climbing-downlap pattern that downlaps onto surfaces of
successively younger shingled turbidites. Based on this
subdivision, the PGC in the study area is categorized as the
simple PGC, Figure-4.
There is two recognized prograding complexes (PGC) in the
LLW: PGC-1 and 2. The PGC-1 has dimension of 130-370
ms TWT in thickness (580-1,650 feet), 40 km in length, and
40 km in width. Shingled-turbidite fan feature within the
PGC-1, called ST-1, has dimension of ~30 ms TWT in gross
thickness (~135 feet), 15 km in length, and up to 35 km in
width, Figure-7. Several N-S seismic lines show the PGC-1
is eroded by the PGC-2. This erosion is considered as
submarine erosion, Figure-8.
The PGC-2 has dimension of 100-220 ms TWT in thickness
(450-1,000 feet), 20 km in length, and 30 km in width.
Shingled-turbidite fan feature within the PGC-2, called ST-2,
has dimension of ~24 ms TWT in gross thickness (~130
feet), 20 km in length, and up to 30 km in width, Figure-7 and
9.
DEEP MARINE CLASTIC SYSTEM
According to one of the model that proposed by Reading and
Richards (1994, in Shew, 1997), mixed-sand mud deep
marine clastic system can be divided into slope aprons, fans,
and ramps. In relation with this model and well-log
signatures in the study area, Wami-1 and Aroba-1 wells are
suggested to be in the shelf setting (in PGC/ST-2) and the
medial ramp lobes (in PGC/ST-1). The Terie-1 and South
Jarua-1 are considered to be located in the proximal to
medial ramp lobes (in BFSF) and medial ramp channels (in
PGC/ST-1) and the medial-ramp-inter channels (in ST-2).
South Monie-1 is interpreted to be in the medial ramp inter-
channels area, both in PGC/ST-1 and 2. Mandala-1 is
situated in the medial ramp lobe (in PGC/ST-2) to the distal
ramp setting (in PGC/ST-1), see Figure-10, 11, and 12.
The log signatures of the proximal-medial ramp channels are
characterized by the upward fining succession, where the
coarser grained is deposited earlier than the finer one under
the gravity process along the restricted levee channel, More
variable log signatures characterize medial ramp lobe, which
nd
Regional Seminar
varies from blocky to upward fining/coarsening successions.
This is suggested due to widely spread and unlimited
receiving area on the distal ramp plain. Medial ramp inter
channels and distal ramp plain, are determined by the
monotonous shaly sections with occasionally presence of the
limestone streaks.
RESERVOIR POTENTIAL
Cuttings description of the medial ramp lobe sandstone
within the BFSF section in the South Jarua-1 is white-light
gray, very fine to fine-grained, very calcareous, moderately
well sorted, and interbedded with limestone streaks and
shale. This sandstone package has a gross thickness of 135
feet, while individual sandstone is 5 feet in average, Figure-
10. Based on well penetrations the average net to gross
ratio (N/G) is 0.2 and sparse vertically.
Cuttings description of the ramp channel sandstone within
the PGC-1 or ST-1 in the South Jarua-1 is gray-white, very
fine to fine-grained quartz, friable, calcareous, and abundant
micro forams, poor visible porosity, grading or interbedded
with pelagic shale. It has a gross thickness of 105 feet, while
individual sandstone is usually 5 feet to rarely 10 feet. It is
suggested to have up to 25% neutron-log porosity, Figure-
11. Based on well penetrations the N/G is 0.4 and sparse
vertically.
Unfortunately, the Mandala-1 and Aroba-1 did not penetrate
the sand-rich interval within the medial ramp lobe system,
Figure-11 and 12. This well encountered the interbedded
siltstone and claystone, where the siltstone is gray-dark gray,
argillaceous, calcareous, abundant micro forams, minor shell
fragments, and grading to very fine-grained-calcareous-
quartz sandstone in part. This fact leads us to come up with
two interpretations: (1) that the whole medial ramp lobe-fan is
not necessary to contain sand-rich section. It is because
there are actually channeling process in this lobe-fan
geometry that only allows sand-rich accumulation in the
particular channels. (2) less sedimentary supply of coarse-
grained materials from the proximal direction.
CONCLUSIONS
Sand-rich section is commonly found in the PGC, and is
interpreted as ramp channel sandstone. Using current
2D seismic data, it is difficult to define these individual
channel geometries within the submarine fan deposit.
Sand-rich section in the ramp lobe fan is suggested as
another reservoir potential, despite there were no sand-
rich sections penetrated. It may be due to inappropriate
well location in the tributary channels within the lobe fan,
and/or less coarse-grained supply.
The grain size of the sand-rich sections range from very
fine to fine-grained sandstone, while individual thickness
ranges only from 5 to rarely 10 feet. By looking at the
grain size and thickness variation, this sandstone should
be further evaluated before it can be categorized as
potential producing reservoirs.
Further evaluations on the effective porosity-
permeability, trap and source rock/charge need to be
implemented to justify the overall risk of this interesting
petroleum system.
REFERENCES
Berggren,W.A.,1983, Marine Micropaleontology An
Introduction, in B.U. Haq, and Anne Boersma, eds.,
Introduction to Marine Micropaleontology, Elsevier,
4
th
.edition, p. 3.
Boersma, A., 1983, Foraminifera, in B.U. Haq, and Anne
Boersma, eds., Introduction to Marine Micropaleontology,
Elsevier, 4
th
.edition, p. 42-44.
Mitchum, R.M., Jr., J.B. Sangree, P.R. Vail, and W.W.
Wornardt, 1993, Recognizing Sequences and Systems
Tracts from Well Logs, Seismic Data, and Biostratigraphy:
Examples from The Late Cenozoic of the Gulf of Mexico, in
P. Weimer, and H.W. Posamentier, eds., Siliciclastic
Sequence Stratigraphy: AAPG Memoir 58, p. 163-167.
Mutti, E., 1985, Seismic Stratigraphy Interpretation
Procedure, in A.W. Bally, ed., AAPG Studies in Geology
No.27, v.1, p. 1-10.
Posamentier, H.W., R.D. Erskine, and R.M. Mitchum, Jr.,
1991, Models for Submarine Fan Deposition within a
Sequence Stratigraphic Framework, in P. Weimer, and M.H.
Link, eds., Seismic Facies and Sedimentary Processes of
Submarine Fans and Turbidite Systems: Springer-Verlag,
New York, p. 127-136.
nd
Regional Seminar
Posamentier, H.W., and Vail, P.R., 1988, (?), in Paul
Weimer, course instructor, Course#6 Petroleum Geology of
Rift and Passive Margin Turbidite Systems: Brazilian and
Worldwide Examples, Part-1: Petroleum Geology of Turbidite
Systems, 1998 AAPG International Conference and
Exhibition, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Shew (?), 1997, Gulf of Mexico Reservoir Performance, in
Paul Weimer, course instructor, Course#6 Petroleum
Geology of Rift and Passive Margin Turbidite Systems:
Brazilian and Worldwide Examples, Part-1: Petroleum
Geology of Turbidite Systems, 1998 AAPG International
Conference and Exhibition, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Vail, P.R., 1987, Seismic Stratigraphy Interpretation
Procedure, in A.W. Bally, ed., AAPG Studies in Geology
No.27, v.1, p. 1-10.
Weimer, P., and Posamentier, H.W., 1993, Recent
Developments and Applications in Siliciclastic Sequence
Stratigraphy, Ch.1, in Siliciclastic Sequence Stratigraphy,
Recent Developments and Applications, AAPG Memoir 58,
Weimer, P., and Posamentier, H.W., eds., Fig.1, p.9.
Accr et e d
Ter r ai ns
Paci f i c Pl a te
Sor ong Faul t
Ay a mar u
Pl at eau
Sal awat i
Basi n
Ber au
Basi n
ARMP 0036_KTD
New Gui nea Tr ench
N
S
e
k
a
k
R
i
d
g
e
O
n
i
n

A
n
t
i
cl
i
n
e
S
e
r
a
m

T
r
o
u
g
h
R
a
n
s
i
k
i

F
a
u
l
t
IRIAN
JAYA
S
U
L
A
W
E
S
I
ARGUNI
BLOCK S
AUSTRALIA
0 4 0 12 0 K m
Sc a le
Wes t A r guni
Sebyar - 1
Vorwata - 5
Suga - 1
Ma n dal a -1
S. Jar ua- 1
Ter i e- 1
S. Mo n i e1
Ar oba- 1
Wa mi- 1
Kasur i - 1
Bi nt uni
Basi n
L
e
n
g
g
u
r
u
F
o
l
d
T
h
r
u
s
t
Eas t Ar guni
Kemum
Bl ock
Figure-1. Location and Simplified Tectonic Element Maps.
Figure-2. Model for Submarine-Fan Deposition (Posamentier et.al., 1991).
Submarine Fans in The Permian Basin, West Texas, after Sarg (1989),
in Posamentier and Erskine (1991)
Submarine Fans in Exmouth Plateau, offshore Australia, after
Erskine and Vail (1988), in Posamentier and Erskine (1991)
Figure-3. Submarine-Fan Analogs from West Texas and Offshore Australia.
CLI CK
SEI SMI C ANALOGS FOR SUBMARI NE FAN
Maximum Regression
Surface
Shingled
Turbidite-2 (ST-2)
Shingled
Turbidite-1 (ST-1)
SB-1
KAIS SHELF
PGC-1
PGC-2
UNINTERPRETED SECTION
KLASAFET
LOWER STEENKOOL
EARLY
LSW
S N
Shew (1997)
Figure-4. Submarine-Fan Subdivision with Major Surface Boundaries.
BINTUNI BAY
Terie-1
KLASAFET
PGC-1
PGC-2
Terie-1
ISOTWT EARLY LOWSTAND WEDGE
THICK
S.Jarua-1
Mandala-1
S.Monie-1
Aroba-1
N S
BABO
BINTUNI BAY
20 km
Figure-6. Early Lowstand Wedge (ELW): Basin Floor and Slope Fans (BFSF).
ISOTWT
ST-2
Terie-1
S. Jarua-1
Mandala-1
Aroba-1
S.Monie-1
20 km
ISOTWT
PGC-1
ISOTWT
PGC-2
Terie-1
S. Jarua-1
Mandala-1
Aroba-1
S.Monie-1
ISOTWT
ST-1
ERODED
BY PGC-2
Figure-7. Late Lowstand Wedge (LLW): Prograding Complex (PGC) with Shingled Turbidites (ST).
Note: color scales for PGC and ST maps are not similar
KAIS
PGC-1
PGC-2
KLASAFET
SB-1
after Mutti (1985)
Figure-8. Submarine Erosional Surface between PGC-1 and PGC-2.
BABO
BINTUNI BAY
20 km
Shew (1997)
Figure-9. Composite Map of the ST-1 and ST-2 on Top Kais Time Structure Map.
ISOTWT
ST-2
ISOTWT
ST-1
Terie-1
Aroba-1
Mandala-1
S.Jarua-1
S.Jarua-1 Terie-1
Mandala-1
Aroba-1
BFSF/ELW
BFSF/ELW
SB-1
SB-1
SB-1
S.Monie-1
20 km
after Reading and Richards (1994), in Shew (1997)
SB-1
SB-2
SB-2
TS TS
SB-2
SB-2
TS
SB-2
SB-2
TS
SB-2
Figure-10. The Gross Depositional Facies and Log Responses: in BFSF Section.
ISOTWT
BFSF
Terie-1
Aroba-1
Mandala-1
S.Jarua-1
S.Jarua-1 Terie-1
P
G
C
-
1
Mandala-1
P
G
C
-
1
Aroba-1
P
G
C
-
1
SB-1
SB-1
SB-1
S.Monie-1
20 km
SB-2
SB-2
TS TS
SB-2
SB-2
TS
SB-2
SB-2
TS
SB-2
Figure-11. The Gross Depositional Facies and Log Responses: in PGC/ST-1 Section.
ISOTWT
ST-1
Terie-1
Aroba-1
Mandala-1
S.Jarua-1
S.Jarua-1 Terie-1
PGC-2
Mandala-1
PGC-2
Aroba-1
PGC-2
SB-1
SB-1
SB-1
S.Monie-1
20 km
SB-2
SB-2
TS TS
SB-2
SB-2
TS
SB-2
SB-2
TS
SB-2
SB-1
ISOTWT
ST-2
Figure-12. The Gross Depositional Facies and Log Responses: in PGC/ST-2 Section.
Northwest Borneo
nd
Regional Seminar
Turbidite and Deep-water Depositional Systems of
Borneo: Reservoir Models of Basin Floor and Slope
Reservoir Fan Systems
Paul Crevello
1
1
Petrex Asia Reservoir and
Stratigraphy Consultants
1032 Muria 2 / Pujut 2B
Miri 98000, Sarawak,
Malaysia
crevello@compuserve.com
This talk is a shortened
version of the 2001 AAPG
Distinguished Lecture,
Funded by the AAPG
Foundation in honor of Roy
M. Huffington.
ABSTRACT
Turbidites are relatively new exploration targets in deep-water plays of Southeast Asia, viz., the
Mahakam and Baram deltas and the NW Sabah shelf, where recently discovered reservoir
sands flow at rates approaching 10k bpd. Discoveries of hydrocarbon-charged sands in these
active tectonic basins have meet with mixed success. Imaging of pay sands and predicting
sand fairways are complicated by shifting basin receptacles associated with foreland thrust
systems, which include deformation of basin floor turbidite fans by thrust ridges and by
progressive growth in ponded slope basins. Knowledge of the hinterland source area, shelf
staging area and sand influx are poorly constrained because of the complicated tectonic and
prolonged turbidite basin history of Borneo. Outcrop and subsurface data sets will be
presented in this talk that will provide examples to elucidate turbidite models for the pan-Borneo
basins.
The oldest turbidite systems of Borneo, the Cretaceous-Eocene Rajang and Embaluh groups,
extend well over 1000 km along the backbone of Borneo. The younger West Crocker,
Temburong and Setap Formations occur in outcrop and offshore NW Borneo, and important
hydrocarbon-bearing turbidite sequences occur in offshore regions of the Miocene-Pliocene
Kutei, Baram and NW Sabah basins. Not all turbidite systems contain prospective reservoirs,
however, because of burial, tectonic history or poor reservoir attributes.
Two principle turbidite systems were deposited north central Borneo: the West Crocker
submarine basin floor fan and the Neogene Setap basin floor and slope turbidite systems:
these range from middle Late Oligocene to Middle and Late Miocene in outcrop to Miocene-
Pliocene in the offshore hydrocarbon provinces.
The Crocker Formation is a classic, unconfined basin-floor submarine fan complex. The fan
developed in a foredeep accretionary trough, which extended over 500 km along the Borneo
trench. Sand-rich channel-sheet complexes exceed 300 m in thickness, with 80% net sand.
Individual channel axis sands rarely exceed 3-5 m, while channel and sheet sands occur in
amalgamated sequences of 30-60 meters thick multistory sands, proximal and distal levees and
channel margin facies successions. The lateral and strike extent of the fan system supports an
extensive complex of off-lapping unrestricted channel-sheet lobe fans. The Crocker reservoirs
are poor quality because of low permeability and moderate burial depths. These sands were
recycled into the Neogene turbidite basins during uplift of the heart of Borneo.
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Regional Seminar
The Neogene turbidite systems formed in ponded slope basins and unconfined basin floor fans
of the pan-Borneo basins. These systems formed during inversion of the Borneo backbone and
clearly record linkage between sedimentation and tectonics. Turbidite channel sands and lobes
thin and onlap or are truncated along active sea floor structures, faults and shale diapirs.
Depositional cycles contain mega-slumps, olistoliths and debris flows alternating with channel
and sheet/lobe sands. Individual channel and lobe sands rarely exceed 3 m, while
amalgamated multistory sands are typically between 10-30 m. Subsurface fans approach 50 m
in thickness and may stack to form 300 m thick reservoir systems. The linkage of lowstand
shelf-edge deltas and tectonic episodes with optimum reservoir sands, input and shelf bypass
is recorded in these Neogene systems. To date, turbidite systems have been discovered in
Pliocene and Miocene fan systems.
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Regional Seminar
STRATAGEMForward Stratigraphic Modelling Of The
Northwest Sabah Deep-water Area, Malaysia
Zulkefli Abdul Hamid
1
and Charlie Lee
1
1
PETRONAS Sabah Shell
Petroleum Co. Ltd
(Currently in Shell Deep-
water Services Houston)
ABSTRACT
A STRATAGEM model (an interactive modelling program for integrated stratighraphic
evolution), based on regional 2D deep-water seismic lines from the Northwest Sabah deep-
water area, adequately modelled the stratigraphic and structural geometries of the continental
margin and deep-water basins. The modelling allows geoscientist to complete the circle from
subsurface seismic and wells interpretation through forward stratigraphic modelling to
generation of syntethic seismic and wells for comparison with real data.
Good match between modelled and observed stratigraphy based on seismic and well data has
developed and quantified concepts of deep-water basin evolution, predicted deep-water
facies/reservoir distribution and architecture, constructed interpretation of deep-water
subsurface data and performed sensitivity test that evaluate the fundamental controls on the
observed deep-water basin stratigraphy.
Tectonically induced subsidence and eustatic sea level changes are found to be the two main
controlling factors on the deep-water reservoir evolution and distribution. Thrust-sheet piggy-
back basins and associated thrust ridges form an ideal trap for the ponding of turbidites on the
shelf, slope and basin by the fill-and-spill mechanism. Changes in eustatic sea level have major
impact on the rate of the deep-water sediment supply, accommodation space and environment
of deposition.
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Regional Seminar
Figure 1: Time section (reflectivity) of regional seismic line BGR8616, showing the major structural features and
seismic horizons used for STRATEGEM modelling.
Figure 2: STRATAGEM model for regional seismic line BGR8618, showing the environment of deposition. The model
correlates well with the control well.
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Regional Seminar
Figure 3: STRATAGEM model for regional seismic line BGR8618 showing the sand distribution. The model correlates
well with the control well.
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Regional Seminar
Cretaceous Selangkai Formation of West Kalimantan
And Its Tectonic Implications
Baharuddin
1
and R. Heryanto
1
1
Development Centre
ABSTRACT
Data collected during the 1982-1984 regional geological and geophysical mapping in west
Kalimantan emphasizing the Cretacesous Selangkai Formation have fed us to reassess the
existence of flysch type deposits in order to understand the tectonic development of the area.
The Selangkai Formation is well exposed in 1:250.000 scale map of Sintang Quadrangle. It
belongs to a deformed flysch type deposit, which has deposited in a submarine fan
environment. Lithologically, the formation consists of calcareous mudstone with intercalations of
bouldery to pebbly mudstone, graded sandstone, rare limestone and conglomerate. The
conglomerate unit, which is known as the Belakai Conglomerate, is interpreted as a basal
conglomerate of the lower Selangkai a total thickness of the Selangkai formation in exceeds of
3000 m. Several stratigraphic stages are occupied by classical turbidite Bouma sequence or
other mass flow deposits. Fossils assemblages discovered within the formation indicate ages
ranging from Early to Late Cretaceous.
The Cretaceous Selangkai Formation (including Embalugh Group in eastern region) and Boyan
Melange are possibly parts of an accretionary complex of southerly dipping subduction zone in
eastern part of West Kalimantan during the Cretaceous time. This subduction activity has also
resulted the Cretaceous Schwaner magmatic belt.
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Regional Seminar
Study area
NATUNA
B R U N E I
S

A

R

A

W

A

K
East
K A L I M A N T A N
West
South
J A V A S E A
Central
BELITUNG
BALIKPAPAN
BANJARMASIN
PALANGKARAYA
Putusibau
Sanggau
PONTIANAK
KUCING
108
0
109
0
110
0
111
0
112
0
113
0
114
0
114
0
116
0
115
0
117
0
119
0
118
0
6
0
2
0
3
0
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0
5
0
2
0
2
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
3
0
4
0
Figure 1 : Location of study area
Sintang
Prominent Sandstone Beds
Belakai Conglomerate
Selangkai Formation
0 50 Km
11200E
0 0
50
0
40
0
30
0
20
0
10
0
000
0 0
1 0 0 N
0 0
50
0
40
0
30
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20
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10
0
000
0 0
1 0 0 N
0 0 10
0
20
0
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50
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10
0
11100E
0 0
11230E
0 0
10
0
20
0
30
0
40
0
50
0
20
0
10
0
11100E
0 0
11200E
0 0
11300E
0 0
SINTANG
K
a
p
u
a
s
r
iv
e
r
Figure 2: Distribution of Selangkai Formation and Belakai Conglomerate, Sintang 1:250.000 sheet area.
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Regional Seminar
+
+
+
+
+ +
1 0 N
0
1 0 S
0
1 0 N
0
1 0 S
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
20
0
0
0
0
0
10
0
1 0 N
0
1 0 S
0
1 0 N
0
A
Early
Cretacaous
B
Late
Cretacaous
C
Early
Tertiary
. . . .
. . .
. . .
. . .
. .
.
. . . . . .
+ + + +
+ + + +
Modern coastline
Modern coastline, not stabilised
Strike-slip fault inferred
Extensional area
Inferred compressional area
Crustal fragments of China and Indochina origin
Present day north
Yunnan-Malay geosyncline
Active
Inactive
Inferred subduction zone
Southeast Asia
magmatic belt
Figure 3 : Paleogeographic recontructions showing a major N-W transform fault during
the Late Cretaceous and Early Tertiary in NW Borneo, modified from Taylor
and Hayes (1983.)
Figure 3: Paleogeographic reconstructions showing a major NW transform fault during the Late
Cretaceous and Early Tertiary in NW Borneo, modified from Taylor and Hayes (1983).
nd
Regional Seminar
Deep-water Reservoirs of Northwest Borneo:
Evaluating Potential Outcrop Analogs
S. Back
1
and J.J. Lambiase
1
1
Department of Petroleum
Geoscience, Universiti
Brunei Darussalam
ABSTRACT
Deep-water reservoirs offshore NW Borneo are currently an important target for hydrocarbon
exploration. Data used to evaluate potential reservoir geometries and quality include
quantitative reservoir models from outcrop analogs. An evaluation of several Oligocene and
Miocene turbidite outcrops in Brunei and southern Sabah with respect to offshore reservoirs
indicate that a number of key parameters influencing turbidite development differ significantly
from those of the prospective Late Miocene/Pliocene deep-water targets.
Turbidite outcrops in Brunei include a Middle Miocene succession of >50m interbedded sands
and shales (individual sand beds 0.02-1.3m thick). Sedimentary structures match divisions A-C
of the Bouma sequence indicating turbidity current deposition. Foraminiferal assemblages
indicate a shelf setting and pollen analyses suggest close proximity to a coast. The association
of exclusively shallow-water microfossil assemblages with turbidites is interpreted to reflect
sedimentation in a delta-front setting. Depositional system analysis shows that the turbidites
occur amongst slumps and storm sands in thin detached lowstands (offshore sands) not far
from a deltaic feeder system. Lateral and vertical scale, as well as the stratal architecture,
match that of a prograding shelf delta on a ramp margin. This setting is fundamentally different
from the offshore deep-water area with target reservoirs located on the slope of a >80km wide
growth-fault margin.
A re-evaluation of previously described Oligocene/Middle Miocene turbidite outcrops of Sabah
and Labuan also indicates major differences in their structural and stratigraphic setting
compared to the Late Miocene/Pliocene offshore successions. This suggests a limited value of
the outcrops as offshore reservoir analogs.
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Regional Seminar
Other Areas
nd
Regional Seminar
A Spectacular Outcrop Analog For Turbidite
Reservoirs: The Miocene Mount Messenger/Urenui
Deep-water System, New Zealand
P. R. King
1
and G. H. Browne
1
1
Institute of Geological and
Nuclear Sciences Ltd, P.
O. Box 30 368, Lower
Hutt, New Zealand
ABSTRACT
A Late Miocene deep-water submarine fan and overlying progradational slope succession is
superbly exposed in coastal cliffs in north Taranaki Basin, New Zealand (Figures 1&2; King et
al. 1993, 1994; Browne et al. 2000). The fortuitous orientation of the present-day coastline with
respect to the gentle regional dip of strata and the paleo-seabed profile provides a semi-
continuous exposed transect through one 3rd-order order (c. 5 m.y. duration) progradational
system, from basin floor to uppermost slope-outermost shelf.
The section is characterised by fresh (wave-washed) exposures and only moderately
consolidated rocks. It is becoming recognised as a classic turbidite succession worldwide for
examining a variety of deep-water facies types, stratal geometries, and stacking patterns, at
scales ranging from seismic to microscopic. The section is useful for developing concepts
relating to sequence stratigraphy and depositional processes, and is ideal for developing
reservoir analogues and comparing and correlating outcrop and subsurface data. In particular,
the different sedimentology and morphologies of sheet fan and lobe sandstones (Figure 3),
base-of-slope fan aprons (Figure 4), and slope channels/canyons (Figure 5) are clearly evident.
A variety of industry and research data acquired along or near the coastal transect are available
to supplement the excellent exposures, including: exploration and shallow stratigraphic well
data (core, log), 2-D regular and high-resolution seismic reflection data, outcrop data
(poroperm, bed thickness and continuity, rock mechanical), paleontological data.
These deep-water sediments were deposited in a complex foreland basin/intra-arc setting on
the northwestern margin of proto-New Zealand (Australian Plate) and above the west-dipping
subducting Pacific Plate. The exposed succession forms part of an extensive regressive system
resulting from a huge influx of sediment produced by hinterland uplift and erosion to the east
and southeast. Laterally-equivalent successions in subsurface Taranaki Basin are evident on
seismic reflection profiles as a spectacular series of offlapping clinoforms. As well, laterally-
equivalent intervals constitute the main reservoir units in two producing oilfields located c. 50
km from the coastal section. The outcrop succession can be correlated into the subsurface as
far as the producing fields using seismic reflection profiles and SP logs.
The overall succession extends for tens of kilometres, and is around 2000 m thick. It is sand-
dominated at the base, and mud-dominated at the top. Microfaunal assemblages indicate a
progressive shallowing up-section from mid- to upper bathyal paleo-water depths. A number of
stacked, 4th-order depositional cycles have been identified at various locations along the
outcrop section. The base of each cycle is marked by an erosional disconformity. In lowermost
cycles deposited in deepest waters, the disconformities have little erosional relief and are
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Regional Seminar
inferred to pass basinwards into correlative conformities. The degree of channelling and
incision at cycle bases increases dramatically upsection. Lithofacies, bed geometry and
stacking patterns also change along the transect, and although no single exposed cycle
displays all facies types and bed forms, a composite picture of the internal architecture of a
generic cycle can be predicted. The lowermost cycles seen all fine upwards (contrary to
Walker-type models), and comprise thick-bedded massive sandstones, overlain by thinly
interbedded sandstones and mudstones, then mudstones, and finally slumped mudstones.
These are inferred to be mid-fan deposits. Immediately overlying cycles with basal, clast
conglomerate-infilled scours and channels, are inferred to represent more proximal submarine
fan deposits. Successions deposited at the base of the advancing slope are characterised by
dramatically interleaving channels, infilled with minor conglomerates, thin-bedded turbidites
displaying near-'classical' Bouma sequences, and mudstones. Overlying slope deposits are
mud-dominated, but are punctuated at regular intervals by spectacular canyons and channels.
These features are variously infilled with, or their margins onlapped by, thick conglomeratic
debris flow deposits, thick-bedded and massive sandstones very similar to the mid- and
proximal-fan sandstones, thin-bedded and ripple-laminated sandstones, and mudstones.
Mudstones at the top of these cycles are generally slumped, indicating some form of slope
instability prior to the next channelised debris flow.
From the perspective of recognising or predicting reservoir type and quality, the main
parameters that vary within the overall succession include sand-mud proportions, sandstone
bedding thickness and style, and degree of channelling. One interesting observation is that
Bouma-type turbidite sequences with thick climbing-ripple portions are prevalent in base-of-
slope settings, where sedimentation was rapid, but are virtually absent in deeper-water fan
deposits, which generally appear massive. Amalgamated thick-bedded basin-floor sandstones
are relatively continuous, whereas associated thin-bedded lobe sandstones pinch and swell
dramatically. Scouring markedly reduces the lateral continuity of slope fan units, and individual
beds show marked lateral and vertical variation in permeability. Coarse-grained reservoir facies
on the slope are entirely confined within large channels or canyons.
From observed and predicted stratigraphic relationships and lateral facies variability within the
successive offlapping 4th-order cycles, we have elucidated constituent system tract
components, and their genetic relationship to changing relative base level. The proportional
thickness of various lowstand (and possible highstand) components changes upsection within
the overall 3rd-order progradational system exposed.
REFERENCES:
Browne, G.H.; Slatt, R.M.; King, P.R. 2000: Contrasting styles of basin floor fan and slope fan
deposition: Mount Messenger Formation, New Zealand. Chapter 13 in: Bouma, A. H.; Stelting,
C.E; Stone, C.G. ed.: Fine-grained turbidite systems. AAPG memoir 72. American Association
of Petroleum Geologists, Tulsa, Oklahoma. p.1-10.
King, P.R.; Scott, G.H. and Robinson, P.H. 1993: Description, correlation and depositional
history of Miocene sediments outcropping along north Taranaki coast. Institute of Geological
and Nuclear Sciences Ltd. monograph 5. 199 p.
King, P.R.; Browne, G.H.; Slatt, R.M. 1994: Sequence architecture of exposed late Miocene
basin floor fan and channel-levee complexes (Mount Messenger Formation), Taranaki Basin,
New Zealand. p. 177-192 In: Weimer, P.; Bouma, A.H.; Perkins, B.F. (eds.) Submarine Fans
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Regional Seminar
and Turbidite Systems. Proceedings Gulf Coast Section Society of Economic Paleontologists
and Mineralogists Foundation fifteenth annual research conference, Houston. 440 p.
Dip slope within basin
floor fan interval
Figure 1 Aerial viewnorth along coastal outcrop section
Slope fan thin-
bedded turbidites
D
e
p
o
s
i
t
i
o
n
a
l

b
a
s
e

l
i
n
e
SW
4
R
e
g
i
o
n
a
l

d
i
p
O

Coastal cliff
transect
Not to s cale
VE= 15
NE
NE
NW
SW
Co as tal c liff trans e ct
-oblique orie ntation to
depo s itio nal dip
Aggradational and
progradational stacking
pattern.
Figure 2
Figure 3: BASIN FLOOR FAN: mid cycle (thin-beds) and upper cycle (muds)
Toe of slope, debris flow conglomerate
Coalescing scour and fill packages
Figure 4. Slope fan succession, upper Mount Messenger Formation
Paramoudra
SLOPE CANYON MARGIN: URENUI FORMATION
Slope
msts
Canyon margins
1
2
Thin-bedded ssts
(canyon fill)
Figure 5. Similar feature at same stratigraphic level on seismic profile, about 10 km inland
500 m
_____
Person
nd
Regional Seminar
Facies and Sequences of A Restricted, Active-Margin
Submarine Fan in A Transgressive Setting, The
Devonian Mindip Formation, Eastern Australia
K.A.A. van Noord
1
1
School of Natural
Resource Sciences,
Queensland University of
Technology, 2 George St,
GPO Box 2434, Brisbane,
QLD, Australia 4001.
Current address: Baker
Atlas GEOScience, 2nd
level Adelaide House, 200
Adelaide Terrace, East
Perth, WA, Australia 6001.
ABSTRACT
The Mindip Formation is the youngest of five formations that developed in an ancient intra-
oceanic island arc during the mid-Cambrian to Late Devonian. Together these formations are
known as the Silverwood Group, a sequence that forms one terrane within the New England
Fold Belt along the eastern margin of Australia (Figure 1a). The Mindip Formation is unique for
it represents one of the few ancient examples of a restricted, sand-rich submarine fan
deposited in an overall transgressive regime. The inclined exposures of the unit allows its
vertical and lateral succession to be compared against equivalent deep-marine exploration
plays.
The late Devonian Mindip Formation consists of the basal Long Mountain Breccia Member
(LMB) and six overlying sub-units labelled A to F. The LMB is a massive cohesive debris flow
with a rigid central plug of block and boulder material. The member shows overall lateral
coarse tail grading, from blocks and boulders in the centre of the deposit, to pebbles 1-2 km
away. The member has an angular unconformable contact with the Ormoral Volcanics and
Bald Hill Formation and is postulated to represent the product of sector collapse from a
subaerial basaltic-andesitic stratovolcano. The debris avalanche resulting from the collapse
was transformed into the mass transport complex upon entering the sea.
Overlying the LMB are the tuffaceous cohesive debris flows and proximal high density turbidites
of Unit A, which represent erosional and mixed erosional-depositional inner-fan channel
turbidites. These inner-fan turbidites formed as a series of braided channels emplaced within
levee facies turbidites, such as those in Unit C. Similar coarse grained tuffaceous facies are
found in Unit D, which also represents a series of erosional and mixed erosional-depositional
inner-fan channels. Like Unit A, inner-fan channels of unit D are braided and were emplaced
within levee facies turbidites (Unit C).
Units B and E overlie Units A and D respectively and consist of very thick bedded, high density,
sandy turbidites which form a system of braided channels on the mid-fan (suprafan lobes).
These suprafan lobes conformably overlie the inner-fan channel turbidites and are convex-
upward in shape. Unit C consists of very thin to medium bedded 'classic' Bouma turbidites
which form levee, channel-margin and crevasse splay elements. Unit C is present as a wedge
of exposure beneath Unit E (Figure 1b). Unit F overlies Unit E and consists of thin bedded
'classic' Bouma Tbcde, Tcde, Tde and Te turbidites that were deposited on the outer-fan (lobe-
fringe).
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Regional Seminar
All together, the LMB and six sub-units described above constitute a single point-source
submarine fan equivalent to the Type II fan of Mutti (1985), the submarine fan model of Walker
(1978), and the sand-rich point-source fan of Reading and Richards (1994). The fan was
initiated by deposition of a mass transport complex (the LMB), and subsequently developed as
two repetitive stages of retrogressive sedimentation, in which channel-levee elements (Units A,
C and D) are overlain by suprafan lobe elements (Units B and E) and eventually by outer-fan
deposits (Unit F). Both inner-fan channels and suprafan lobes show centralised stacking
patterns with limited lateral migration (Figure 1b). This sedimentation pattern is consistent with
vertical aggradation of 4th order elements, like channel-levee complexes, as a result of lateral
restrictions on sedimentation (e.g. perhaps by submarine ridges). The characteristics of the
formation are typical of an active margin fan that formed by a combination of tectonic stage
initiation, followed by eustatically-controlled retrogradation.
REFERENCES
Mutti E. 1985. Turbidite systems and their relations to depositional sequences. In Zuffa G.G.
(ed.), Provenance of Arenites, pp. 65-93. D. Reidel Publishing Company, Dordrecht.
Reading H.G. and Richards M. 1994. Turbidite systems in deep-water basin margins classified
by grain size and feeder system. Bulletin of the American Association of Petroluem Geologists,
78, 792-822.
Walker R.G. 1978. Deep-water sandstone facies and ancient submarine fans: models for
exploration for stratigraphic traps. Bulletin of the American Association of Petroluem
Geologists, 62, 932-966.
Figure 1. a) Location map of study area in relation to eastern Australia. Also shown on the
figure is the distribution of the youngest orogen of the Tasman orogen, the New England Fold
Belt (hachured area). b) Geological interpretation map of the Mindip Formation. Features to
note from this figure include the vertical stacking of the various architectural elements (MTC
and Units A to F), the steep dips of the exposures (up to 80 to the east), and the
unconformable contact at the base of the formation beneath the LMB. Of the remaining
formations shown, the Connolly Volcanics, Bald Hill Formation and Ormoral Volcanics also form
part of the Silverwood Group, while the Eight Mile Creek beds are part of an overlying Permian
succession. The Connolly Volcanics represents the oldest formation shown on the figure
(middle or late Silurian to Early Devonian). It is overlain by the Bald Hill Formation (Early
Devonian), which is subsequently overlain by the Ormoral Volcanics (Early to Middle
Devonian). The small arrows within the figure represent younging direction.
Lower slope/ Inner fan braided and
amalgamated channels with thin levee
deposits (Unit A)
Suprafan lobe (mid-fan)-
amalgamated braided sandy
channels (Unit B and upper unit A)
Distributary channels/
channel margin deposits
(Unit C)
Suprafan lobe (mid-fan)-
braided sandy channel
deposits (Unit E and
upper Unit D)
Outer fan
(Unit F)
Mass Transport Complex
(MTC; Long Mountain
Breccia Member)
Ormoral
Volcanics
Unit A,
Bald Hill Formation
Unit C,
Bald Hill Formation
Unit B,
Bald Hill Formation
(Mindip Sill)
Eight Mile
Creek beds
Upper unit,
Connolly Volcanics
Unit A,
Bald Hill
Formation
tN
mN
E
0 250m
Scale 1:12500
Channels
Suprafan
lobes
Overbank and
outer fan deposits
Channels
(Unit D)
Levee
(Unit C)
Sydney
Melbourne
NORTHERN
TERRITORY
SOUTH
AUSTRALIA
QUEENSLAND
NEW
SOUTH
WALES
VIC.
New England
Fold Belt
Study
Area
Brisbane
20
20
N
Oaky
Fault
A
B
Deepwater Systems in the Campos Basin, Brazil:
A Comparison to the Makassar Strait
Chandra Suria
1
and Meizarwin
1
1
BP Indonesia
ABSTRACT
Brazil offers world class oil and gas reserve potential from more than 20 sedimentary basins.
Industry estimates indicate that Brazil contains over 12 billion barrels of undiscovered oil
reserves, with much of this potential in deep to ultra deepwater. In the last ten years,
exploration in deepwater (>1000 ft) has discovered a total of 5 billion barrels of oil. Gas
reserves are significantly under explored. Proven reserves are only 5.5 tcf, due primarily to the
lack of gas exploration. Published reports indicate undiscovered reserves ranging from 25 to
50 tcf.
In February 1997, Brazil offered more than 150 exploration and production opportunities to the
industry after more than 12 years monopoly by Petrobras in Brazils oil and gas industry. More
than 10 project agreements had been signed in Brazils deepwater exploration and production
opportunities, mostly in the Campos basin, part of the East Brazil Rift System.
The rift was formed in Jurassic to Early Cretaceous time and led to the opening of the Atlantic.
The non-marine Lower Cretaceous Lagoa Feia Formation was deposited on Neocomian
basaltic extrusives, which in turn is overlain by the Aptian terrigenous and evaporate sequence.
Inaugurating the drift stage, a marine carbonate platform sequence, grading into fluvial-deltaic
sediments along the landward margin of the basin (the Albian Macae Formation) overlies the
evaporates. Continuous subsidence and concomitant seaward tilting of the basin led to
deposition of transgressive deepening marine shales that, in turn, are overlain by a regressive
progradational shallowing sequence of sandstones, limestones, and shales. The entire
package of sediments is the Turonian-Quartenary Campos Formation. The main deepwater
reservoirs are the Late Cretaceous-Paleocene Carapebus member and the Oligocene-Miocene
Ubatuba member (Guardado et al., 1989, Falkenhein et al., 1981, Carozzi and Falkenhein,
1985, Barros et al., 1980). The sediment source for the deepwater reservoir systems is
believed to be the interior mountain ranges, which were exhumed in the Cretaceous and
Eocene times (Meisling et al., 2001, Cobbold et al., 2001.).
The prospective deepwater systems in the Campos Basin were deposited from Late Aptian to
Miocene time in diverse physiographic settings, in response to the complex interplay of salt
tectonics uplift and progradation of the continent margin. The Late Aptian turbidites occur as
extensive blankets deposited on a flat sea floor and can be seismically correlated over wide
areas. The Cenomanian-Turonian turbidites show rapid lateral thickness variations and are
confined to narrow troughs formed in response to deeper salt movement and erosion. Both
types of turbidites consist predominantly of medium to coarse massive sandstones with
average net pay of 30 meter, porosity 17% and permeability 100 mD. Oligocene and Miocene
turbidites are the main reservoirs in the deepwater of the Campos basin. During the Oligocene
there was intense progradation of the continental margin. Large area of the continental shelf
were exposed, several submarine canyons developed, and extensive deepwater fans formed
offshore. The sand reservoirs occur as tabular bodies 30 to 100 meters in thickness and cover
areas as large as 300 sq. km. The range of net pay is 15 to 45 meter, porosity 20-30% and
permeability of 200 to 5,000 mD. Oligocene sands are the sole reservoirs in the giant Marlim
field (2.1 bbo and 2.2 tcfg), whereas Albacora (1.1 bbo and 2.3 tcfg) produces from deepwater
sand reservoirs ranging in age from Albian to Miocene, but Miocene is by far the most important
(Guardado et al., 1990, Bacoccoli and Toffoli, 1988, Moraes and Bruhn, 1988).
In Makassar Strait deepwater systems, the basin was initiated in the Middle Eocene as a result
of rifting in the North Makassar Straits. This episode was followed by regressive style of
sedimentation during late Oligocene-Miocene. Middle Miocene to Pliocene interior tectonic
uplift in the western part of the basin Margin initiated the redeposition of the Upper Kutei delta
system into the Lower Kutei system and eventually the Makassar deepwater area (Moss &
Chambers, 1999, Malecek et al., 1993). This Middle Miocene to Pliocene recycled sandstone
deposits appear to be the most prospective reservoir interval for hydrocarbon accumulation in
the deepwater area (IHS). In the northwestern part of the Makassar Strait area, the major
turbidite reservoirs occur as amalgamated channels and interbedded overbank-levee deposits
in a confined setting (Readhead et al., 2000). To the east and southeast, the sand reservoirs
were deposited in an unconfined setting such as moderate to high sinuosity leveed channels,
distributary channels/frontal splays, overbank wedges (levees), overbanks splays/sediment
waves and debris flow deposits (Posamentier et al., 2000). The reservoir has porosity values
in the range of 22 to 32% and permeabilities are in the 150 to 1500 mD range with a 40 to 360
feet of net pay (IHS, Readhead et al., 2000). Published reports indicate the total reserves of the
deepwater discovery fields to date are in the range of 1 1.6 BBOE from about 9 fields.
The petroleum systems of the Campos basin depend on the syn-rift Lagoa Feia lacustrine
source rock with a TOC up to 9%. The high prospectivity of the basin is explained by the
adequate timing of hydrocarbon migration and entrapment, associated with salt tectonics.
Large volumes became trapped after the Eocene/Oligocene, by which time the Early
Cretaceous sediments are believed to have reached their peak maturation level and the basin
was characterized by a high sedimentation rate. Hydrocarbon migration pathways exist where
faulting is transmitted, from reactivated sub-salt transfer zones, through salt windows, into
supra-salt sediments. Deposition of the Tertiary deepwater reservoir systems was associated
with the eastward progradation of the continental shelf, at times interrupted by periods of
erosion and deformation by salt tectonics. Correspondingly, reservoir distribution had an
important stratigraphic control on the trap capacity of several accumulations (Guardado et al.,
1989, Meisling et al, 2001, Cobbold et al, 2001).
In the Makassar Strait, source rocks in the deepwater are believed to be transported organic
materials derived from the lower delta plain, with mixed oil and gas potential. The pre-Middle
Miocene to Late Miocene section is potentially within the oil window, depending on the local
heat flow and Plio-Pleistocene sediment load. Peak generation is quite recent. Faults,
associated with sediment loading and tectonic event, are interpreted to be the vertical migration
pathways from source kitchen to the reservoirs (Peters et al. 2000, Readhead et al. 2000).
Rollover anticlines as well as toe thrust belt seems to be the successful exploration target in
Merah Besar and West Seno area (Malecek et al., 1993, Readhead et al. 2000, Johansen
2000).
Poster Session
nd
Regional Seminar
Reservoir Modeling of Turbidites Using Well Data and
Laboratory Experiments
Stefan M. Luthi
1
and Alberto Malinverno
2
1
Delft University of
Technology
Department of Applied
Earth Sciences
2628 RX Delft, The
Netherlands
2
Schlumberger-Doll
Research, Ridgefield, CT
06877, USA
ABSTRACT
When a sequence of turbidite beds is crossed by the wellbore of an oil well, one fundamental
question is how these beds extend away from the wellbore. In the first place, an accurate
measurement of the turbidite beds, down to the very thinnest layers, has to be carried out. Then
a three-dimensional reconstruction of the layer geometry around the wellbore can be
performed. Several approaches can be taken here, but we discuss only two: A statistical one,
based on the power-law distribution of the bed thicknesses, and an object-based 3-modeling
approach using a basic geometric template obtained from experimental turbidites. In both
cases, the true bed size distribution (as opposed to the apparent bed thicknesses observed in
the wellbore) is obtained, and bed extents and volumes of the beds connected to the wellbore
is obtained.
These approaches were applied to a case study from the Gulf of Mexico where over 4500 beds
were found in a single well. The resulting estimations of the hydrocarbons in place that can be
drained by the wellbore were similar for both models, but substantially smaller than from a
layer-cake model using a typical drainage radius.
nd
Regional Seminar
Tectonostratigraphic Controls on Turbidite
Depositional Processes in Brunei
Patrick Allman-Ward
1
, Jan Pieter Tromp
1
and Abdullah B. Ibrahim
1
1
Brunei Shell Petroleum
Company, Seria, Brunei
Darussalam
ABSTRACT
Brunei Shell Petroleum and its competitors have drilled 22 wells in Brunei waters to date which
have penetrated turbidite reservoirs (Figure 1). These have been both in deep-water sensu
stricto and in shallower waters on the shelf targeting the underlying, deeper turbidite objectives.
Exploration success rate has been high, over 70% of the tests having discovered hydrocarbons
but commercial success rates have been relatively low (14%).
All of the wells drilled to date have been in the slope or by-pass environment. The results have
highlighted that the key element in commercializing turbidite discoveries in Brunei in this setting
is adequate reservoir development (Figure 2). One of the most important challenges is
therefore to identify where the turbidite sands are best developed prior to exploration drilling.
The late Tertiary depositional system offshore Brunei is strongly progradational (Figure 3). The
sedimentation history has been dominated by the Baram Delta to the southwest and the
Champion Delta to the northeast (Figure 4). The shelf profile is characterized by a steep slope
(up to 10 degrees in places) with a relatively rapid descent into extreme water depths (>2500m)
in the centre of the NW Borneo Trough (Figure 5). The potential for turbidite reservoir
development in Brunei has been related to three controlling mechanisms: source material,
delivery system and accommodation space.
The sand prone nature of turbidites in NW Borneo is determined by the quantity of sand in the
catchment area and the energy and distribution of the erosional system. The nature and
maturity of the source sediments in the Borneo Highlands control sand quantity. The energy
and distribution of the erosional system is linked to the river profile and whether the sediment
supply is linear or occurs as discrete point sources. In addition, the quality of the source
material can be enhanced by the action of longshore currents driven by monsoonal weather
patterns leading to a comprehensive redistribution of sand out to the shelf edge.
The greatest likelihood of forming sand rich turbidites occurs during periods of large relative sea
level fall when the shelf is exposed and river systems may be captured directly into the head of
the submarine canyon system allowing bypass of sediment directly into the deep-water. A
detailed time-rock synopsis of the Brunei depositional system is made possible by
comprehensive 3D seismic data coverage and high resolution (bio-) stratigraphy. It clearly
shows a correlation between intervals of better reservoir development in the deep-water and
periods of major lowstands, which in the case of Brunei, have been enhanced by tectonism
(Figure 3). Large incised valleys were developed in the pro delta area and formed the conduits
between the source area and the areas where turbidite sedimentation took place (Figure 6).
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Regional Seminar
Turbidite currents deposit their load when they reach the base of their graded (slope) profile
which is usually the basin floor. However, in Brunei, this setting is occurs either in extreme
present day water depths or very deep in the section in shallower present day water depths and
is probably undrillable due to overpressures (Figure 7). Turbidite sediment can be trapped on
the slope if accommodation space is created by either locally raising the datum or through
erosion or slumping (Figure 8; Prather, 2000). The development of accommodation space in
Brunei is related to gravity gliding (toe thrusted anticlines) on the lower slope and to shale
diapirism on the middle and upper slope. In slope settings dominated by shale diapirism (e.g.
Nigeria, Trinidad, NW Borneo) the amount of vertical relief generated is much less than in salt
dominated sedimentary systems due to the slower kinetics of shale versus salt diapirism
(Figure 9; Prather, 2000). Generally these mini-basins are subtle with low vertical relief and
tend to be linearly confined by the shale ridges. The nature of the objective turbidite reservoirs
in Brunei is therefore determined by their position on the slope and the development of
accommodation space through time (Figure 10).
REFERENCES CITED
Prather, B. E., 2000, Calibration and visualization of depositional process models for above-
grade slopes: a case study from the Gulf of Mexico. Marine and Petroleum Geology, in press.
nd
Regional Seminar
Scientific targets of IODP - New Ocean Drilling Plan
Y. Yamada
1
1
OD21 Program Office
(Japan Marine Science and
Technology Center)
ABSTRACT
The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) is an international scientific research endeavor
scheduled to begin in October 2003. This program will use both the new Japanese riser drilling
vessel now under construction and an U.S. non-riser vessel. Opportunities for scientists to
participate will clearly expand.
Through and following the CONCORD (1997) and COMPLEX (1999) meetings, three major
scientific themes have been identified for IODP: 1) the Deep Biosphere & the Sub-Seafloor
Ocean, 2) Environmental Change & Its Impact on Life, and 3) Solid Earth Cycles &
Geodynamics. These core themes are closely linked to studies of biotechnology, climate
change, earthquake hazards, natural resource potential, sea level change, and volcanic
eruptions, which are of societal relevance. Direct examination of the seismogenic zone is one of
the prime targets of the IODP, which has been planned for practical purpose and to satisfy long
held scientific ambitions.
By drilling deeper into the crust, and to depths where plate interactions occur, we aim to
approach closer to understanding the total earth system covering from climate changes to
mantle convection with a unified perspective. A drill hole provides us core samples and various
experimental environments. This requires harmonious relationship between scientists and
engineers. We also need cooperation amongst scientists from widely different disciplines, such
as seismologists, biologists, and chemists, among others. Our approach must be innovative
and synergetic, aiming for creation of a new field of science. IODP will be a proposal-driven
science and there will be many ways to participate in the program.
nd
Regional Seminar
Surface Geochemistry As An Exploration Tool in
Frontier Deep-water Areas: Case Studies from
Southeast Asia
Malvin Bjoroy
1
1
Geolab Nor AS, P.O.Box
5740, Trondheim, 7437,
Norway, phone:
4773964000,
malvin@geolabnor.no and
Geir Hansen, Surface
Geochemical Services AS,
P.O.Box 1257, Vika, Oslo,
N-0111, Norway.
ABSTRACT
Surface geochemical prospecting involves the search for near-surface or surface anomalies of
hydrocarbons, which could indicate the occurrence of petroleum accumulations in the sub-
surface. The methodology, as applied in offshore basins, covers a range of techniques, from
observation of visible oil seepages at the surface, to detection of micro-seeps, in near surface
sediments, using sensitive analytical techniques.
Since most rock types are not totally impervious to hydrocarbons, both light and heavy
hydrocarbons will migrate upwards, from either mature source rocks or reservoirs, to near
surface sediments. While the methodology for surface geochemical surveys is the subject of
continuous development, the current, most favoured practice is to detect possible migration
pathways from the deep to the near-surface with the aid of seismic data, often together with
remote sensing data (satellite imaging etc). The expression of such pathways at the surface is
then the focus of surface geochemical prospecting grids.
This methodology has been applied in several surveys in the relatively unexplored deep-water
basins of the western North Atlantic Margin, West Africa and South East Asia. In this paper we
will present studies from West Africa and Southeast Asia, where we will discuss the planning,
sampling and analytical results. The analyses include analysis of both gas and liquid
hydrocarbons in sediment samples. The results vary significantly in the different basins, from
showing only micro-seepage to showing a combination of micro-seepage and macro-seepage
(with biodegradation of the seeped hydrocarbons in specific areas). Our studies clearly show
that marine surface geochemical prospecting can be used to determine whether or not
hydrocarbons have been generated in a basin, and whether these are oil or gas related. If oil
related hydrocarbons are detected, then information on the types and maturities of source rocks
which have generated these hydrocarbons can also be determined.
nd
Regional Seminar
Gravity Data Analysis of Ujungpangkah Area
Implication for Structural Evolution and Hydrocarbon
Prospect
Sartono
1
1
Development Centre, Jl.
Diponegoro 57, Bandung,
West Java, INDONESIA
ABSTRACT
Based on physiographic setting, the northern region of East Java is divided into 3 zones. There
are Rembang-Madura zone in the north, Randublatung depression zone as dividing zone to
Kendeng zone in the south.
Ujungpangkah area belongs to Rembang-Madura zone, situated 40 km to the north of
Surabaya, characterised by a range of Bouguer anomaly between 20 to 45 mgal in the north.
The area is interpreted as an epicontinental basin. The basin is filled by detritus material from
the Bawean high to the north. Further on the upper of terrestrial deposit is covered by chalky
limestone and porous (karren) reef limestones.
Randublatung depresion zone is characterised by a range of gravity anomaly of 20 to -10 mgal
and showing a steep gravity gradient, it is interpreted that the basement fault occured at depth.
The deepest basin, the Kendeng zone, it is characterised by Bouguer anomaly with a range
from -10 to -40 mgal. The basin is filled by clastic sediment and volcanic origin.
The fault block processes at the northern region of East Java created a basinal deep Kendeng
zone, depresion Randublatung zone and a basement high Ujungpangkah area. This process
caused the sediment layer on the basement would be folded and faulted. The anticline of
sedimentary rock was created on the upper of Ujungpangkah basement high and the faulted
structure can act as a good hydrocarbon entrapment.
Within the Ujungpangkah area, calcareous sandstone from Tawun Formation and quartz
sandstone also reef limestone from Watukoceng Formation have all promoted as a
hydrocarbon reservoir rocks.
nd
Regional Seminar
Oligo-Miocene Deepwater Clastic Sediments
Identified fromWatugajah and Banyutibo
Stratigraphic Measured Sections Southern Mountain,
Yogyakarta.
Sugeng S. Suryono
1
, Jarot Setyowiyoto
1
, and Marno Datun
1
1
Geological Engineering
Department, Faculty of
Engineering, Gadjah Mada
University. Jl. Grafika 2,
Bulaksumur Yogyakarta,
Telp./Fax.:0274 513668,
pabum@yogya.wasantara.
net.id
ABSTRACT
The study area is located at Watugajah village, in the northern escarpment of Southern
Mountains block faulting, in Gunungkidul Regency which is approximately 40 kilometers to the
east of Yogyakarta. The research was conducted when the new road that cuts the escarpment
was under construction. Sedimentary rocks and measured section was observed along the
road that has distance approximately 3 kilometers. The shorter distance of other measured
section was observed at Banyutibo traverse which is located about 2.5 kilometers to the east of
Watugajah traverse.
The sedimentary section is included in Kebo-Butak Formation which is the lowest Formation
composing the Southern Mountains. This formation composed mainly of sandstone, siltstone
and claystone intercalation in the lower part and interbedded conglomerate sandstone and clay
or silt in the upper part. The lower part of this formation was intruded by sill-type igneous rocks
(Bothe 1929), meanwhile the igneous rocks were interpreted as lava flows (Rahardjo, 1983).
Sedimentary rocks that compose this formation is interpreted as sediment which is deposited in
the submarine fan environment (Rahardjo, 1983). The total thickness of this formation reaching
800 meters with the age of late Oligocene (N2-N3) early Miocene (N4-N5).
By making measured sections at Watugajah and Banyutibo traverses, details on the lithology
and sedimentology from the lowest to the top part of Kebo-Butak Formation could be identified.
The lithology of the two detail stratigraphic measured sections can be divided into two units that
are Sandstone-Shale Unit and Pebbly Sandstone Unit.
THE SANDSTONE-SHALE UNIT
This unit is generally composed by well gradational bedding sandstone to clay on the bottom,
followed by interbedded sandstone shale and some massive sandstone bedding. The upper
part comprised of gradational pebbly sandstone to medium sandstone or clay then changes to
interbedding sandstone shale. The upper part of this unit is intruded by igneous rock.
In details, the lowest part of this unit is composed by gradational coarse sandstone to clay,
massive sandstone which is 2 10 meters thick and on the several layers show interbedding of
sandstone-shale which is 0,2-0,5 meters thick. The color of the bedding is light brown to
greenish brown, the composing materials are andesite, plagioclase fragments, tuff and clay-
nd
Regional Seminar
size mineral with normally graded bedding, massive or amalgamated structures. To the upper
part, fine sandstone shale interbedding with the thickness of 0.2 0.5 meters more often
appears. Among the interbeddings are composed gradational sandstone clay from classic
turbidite series which is 1-3 meters thick, or massive sandstone which reaches up to 6 meters
thick. At the classic turbidite series often be found sandstone-shale normally gradational,
parallel lamination and slump structures (Ta Tc Bouma series). The sediment structures are
produced by turbidity current process.
In the middle part of this unit is dominated by gradational pebbly sandstone medium
sandstone, or massive sandstone with 4-5 meters in thickness. Erosional base is shown at the
bottom contact due to fast sedimentation of grain flows. In some layers can be found sandstone
clastic fragments with the dimension more than one meter floating in it.
In the upper part of this unit shows classic turbidities as interbedding sandstone shale which
is 0.5 1 meters thick and also gradational coarse sandstone fine sandstone which reaches
up to 5 meters of thickness in several layers. Two igneous rock intrusive bodies can be found in
this part. In the field, the igneous rocks concordantly contacts the top and bottom layers and
showing baking effect on the contacts like found at the point of 325 meters Watugajah
measured section and on the surrounding area of Banyutibo. Intrusion contacts can be seen
well on the faulting escarpments. Based on the field data, the kind of intrusion is sill. The
igneous rocks are black, porphyro-aphanitic, composed by plagioclase, pyroxene and
mycrolites which are hyalo-ophitic texture. The present of igneous rocks body which entered
the sandstone bedding at Banyutibo went to prove that the igneous rocks intruded the
sandstone while the stack of sandstone was built and had not lithified perfectly yet.
The total outcrops thickness of this unit is 385 meters, which is measured from Watugajah
traverse. Fossils are really rare, however on the clay sample can be found benthonic fossils
that show Oligocene early Miocene age and deep marine environment (abyssal).
The petrographic analysis show that the sandstone have wacke texture. The texture might
occurred when sandstone was deposited quickly without grain sorting. Based on the sediment
structure, fossils and thin section, the deposition environment of this unit is interpreted as outer
middle part fan of deep ocean fan environment (Walker, 1984) by low density turbidity
currents grain flow (Lowe, 1982, Mutti, 1993). According to lithological component and
sedimentary structure, the facies stack thickness and the other components of stratigraphic
appearances, this unit can be grouped in lower parts of Kebo-Butak Formation.
THE PEBBLY SANDSTONE UNIT
The pebbly sandstone unit is generally composed of gradational pebbly sandstone medium
sandstone, interbedded sandstone shale and pockets breccia. This sequence was observed
at Watugajah traverse. Detail description of the sequence show that the grain-size trends are
coarser to the upper layers until the breccias is formed, then become finer to the top unit. The
early appearance is started by repeating gradational yellow greenish thick bedding pebbly
sandstone to clay. To the upper part, the gradational pebbly sandstones are thicker although
interbedded shale and fine sandstone still present. Each gradational facies is 7-8 meters in
thickness, sometimes up to 15 meters. The first appearance of gradational pebbly sandstone in
the study area usually is found not too far from igneous rocks on the previous unit.
nd
Regional Seminar
The sediment structure are bedding, amalgamated and lamination of fine-grained sand. The
erosional contact are usually occur at base of gradational pebbly sandstone which is produced
by fast depositional process. Another sediment structure is traction carpets on the breccia
layers.
On the middle part of this unit, the appearance of intercalation breccia has started. It is brown
greenish polimix breccia or brown blackish andesite breccia, which form erosional contact or
as pockets breccia among the gradational coarse sandstone body. Intercalation of sandstone
and shale occasionally is found among gradational pebbly sandstone. The composing materials
are andesite fragments, plagioclase, and tuff.
On the upper part of pebbly sandstone unit are deposited repetition of thick breccia up to 30
meters. The breccias are generally blackish brown with cobble-boulder fragment, opening
fabrics, poor sorting, consists basalt and andesite. The matrixes are grain supported
sandstones, composing andesitic rocks of fragment, plagioclase and a little glass volcanic. The
beddings thickness reach up to 8 10 meters with gradational or massive structure. The
various kinds of composing lithology are basaltic or andesitic breccia which interbedding with
greenish coarse sandstone or greenish gradational polimix beccia. The bedding contacts at the
bottom of layers are sharp or erosional. The unsorted fragments are probably caused by debris
flow. The fragments become finer to the upper part and sometimes show parallel fragment
sediment structure of F2-F4 Muttis facies. The age of this unit is difficult to identifie due to
absent of the fossil, however it can be correlated with pebbly sandstone unit that equal to lower
part of Middle Miocene. We consider that this breccias are sub-unit of pebbly sandstone unit.
The breccias are deposited at the braided channel of deep sea fan by debris flows or grain
flows (Walker, 1984).
Interbedding sandstone shale more often appears, mostly greenish, tufaceous, with 0,5 1
meters in thickness and develop between gradational pebbly sandstones above the breccia.
In the sandstone shale interbeddings can be found polimix breccia which are igneous, clay,
sandstones and corral fragments. The existence of corral fragments pointed out that there is
another provenance beside volcanic. The greenish color of this unit is occurred due to alteration
of plagioclase and tuff become chlorite or greenish clay-size minerals.
The total thickness of this unit by measured section at Watugajah traverse is 350 meters. The
fossil is very rare, some of the were observed are Globigerinoides altialperturus planktonic
foramminifera index fossil which suggested that the units age is the lower part of Lower
Miocene (N5-N6). The depositional environment is interpreted as the mid fan of the deep sea
fan. This unit is part of upper part Kebo-Butak Formation.
CONCLUSIONS
Two detail stratigraphic measured sections of 750 meters thick of Watugajah and 250 meters
thick of Banyutibo traverse have been performed in order to determine its sedimentology and
depositional environment. The sequence can be divided into two units: sandstoneshale unit
and pebbly sandstone unit. The sedimentary structure is dominated by graded bedding, parallel
lamination or convolute lamination, amalgamated and sharp or erosional base contacts which
correspond to classic turbidite series of Ta Td Bouma sequence.The benthonic fossil
analysis suggested that these sequence were deposited in the deep sea environment (abyssal)
at lower (outer) mid fan with intercalation of braided channel of deep ocean fan. The
depositional mechanism is dominated by low high density turbidity currents and minor debris
flow.
nd
Regional Seminar
Depositional Environment of Sambipitu Formation
Bayu Handoko
1
and Tigor Yuni Ardi
1
1
Student of Geological
Engineering Department,
University of
Pembangunan Nasional
Veteran Yogyakarta -
INDONESIA
ABSTRACT
Sambipitu Formation outcropped on the base of the South Baturagung mountain range ,
Wonosari, Yogyakarta. Based on our research, the Sambipitu Formation consists of five main
facies association: 1) Classical Turbidite, 2) Pebbly Sandstone, 3) Conglomerate, 4) Pebbly
mudstone, debris flow, slumps and slide.
The Classical Turbidite is characterized by monotonous alteration of sharp-based sandstone
and interbedded mudstone. The classical term implies that most people would quickly identify
this sediment as typical turbidite today. This association contains two main facies: thin-bedded
and thick-bedded turbidite. The thin-bedded turbidite can be separated into two distinct type:
the first is characterized by one row of current ripples with rare convolute lamination and the
second is characterized by climbing ripples.
The Pebbly Sandstone tends to be well graded, internal stratification is fairly abundant and
consists of a rather coarse horizontal stratification or a well-developed trough or planar-tabular
cross bedding. Pebbly Sandstone beds are commonly channeled and laterally discontinuous
with uncommon inter-bedded shale.
The lower part of Sambipitu Formation is Conglomerate that is characterized by graded
bedding (normal and inverse). The most important feature is the imbrication, which is typified by
clasts whose long axes lie parallel to flow and dip upstream.
Pebbly mudstone consists of pebbles and distorted clasts of sandstone and mudstone,
disposed in silty mudstone matrix. The origin for such texture is the rapid deposition of sand
and gravel on top of very watery, uncompacted mudstone. Alternatively, some pebbly
mudstone may be resulted from debris flow deposit.
nd
Regional Seminar
Pliocene Deep-water Sedimentation of Mundu and
Kalibeng Formations in Northeast Java Basin
M. Yohannes P. Koesoemo
1
1
Oil and Gas Manpower
Development Centre (PPT
Migas), Jl. Sorogo No. 1,
Cepu, Central Java,
INDONESIA
Phone: 0296-421888
Fax: 0296-421891
Email:
pptmigas@indo.net.id
ABSTRACT
The study area is located in the Northeast Java Basin. The tectonic evolution can be traced
from Late Cretaceous to Recent. During Paleogen, the tectonic tension was active and
continued by Neogene tectonic compression, resulting in folding and faulting structure in the
study area.
During Pliocene (N18-N20), transgressive system tract was occurred in the Northeast Java
Basin and the 100-m thick of massive marl facies deposited in the deep-water environment,
indicated by 99% planktonic foraminifera shells in the massive marl.
In the northern part of the study area (Remban Zone), massive marl facies recognized as
Mundu Formation. The massive marl facies also known as Kalibeng Formation in the Kendeng
Zone that located in the southern part of the study area.
The Upper Pliocene (N21) sea level drop of 2.0 Ma in the Rembang Zone produced
foraminiferal sand of Selorejo Formation that act as gas reservoir in the Cepu area and as oil
reservoir in Surabaya area. In the Kendeng Zone (7 km north of Ngawi), the reefal limestone of
Klitik Member developed in the upper part of Kalibeng Formation.
The marl facies of Kalibeng Formation possibly developed as caprock in Gunung Nongko
(northern part of Jombang area) that located in the eastern part of Kendeng Zone. Based on
the distribution of marl facies in the study area, can be concluded that deep-water depositional
environment developed in the Northeast Java Basin during Pliocene.
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Regional Seminar
MRGC, A New Clustering Method that Helps The
Sedimentologists to Take Advantage of NMR and
Borehole Imagery to Recognize Sedimentary Facies
FromLogs
Philippe Rabiller
1
, J.P. Leduc
1
, B. Mathis
1
, and Shin-Ju Ye
2
1
TOTALFINAELF
1
Halliburton Energy
Services
ABSTRACT
In 1981, Serra and Abott proposed the concept of electrofacies as a geological substitute for
partial or missing core information. Since then several methods were proposed to make this
concept practical. However, none of them proved successful in dealing with the rich information
that can be obtained through NMR or Borehole Imagery logging.
Amongst the numerous potential geological applications of NMR, recent examples of deep
offshore wells drilled using Oil Based Mud have shown that in appropriate logging conditions,
the NMR T2 distribution can be used to recognize the presence of very thin sand and shale
laminae alternation in complex turbiditic environment, and characterize their grain size and
sorting thus making NMR logging a very valuable log for the sedimentologist.
MRGC, a new clustering method published at the 41st SPWLA symposium in Houston, allows
to use the full NMR T2 distribution to define electrofacies in combination with conventional
electric logs and Borehole Imagery Automatic Texture analysis as proposed by Ye et al. (39
SPWLA symposium, Keystone 1998). The simplicity and speed of the process allows the user
to rapidly set up electrofacies models for stratigraphic intervals and whenever needed to define
specific models for hydrocarbon and water bearing reservoirs within the same stratigraphic
interval. The method can be used on single well or multi-well data sets, and provision is made
to use core calibration as input. Additionally, a model defined on a data set can be propagated
to other wells with confidence as an index is calculated that controls whether or not the model
can be applied to the new data set.
Field examples, from different sedimentary environments, are proposed to illustrate the method
and how most significant sedimentary facies can be recognized from their log characteristics.
ISBN 979-96438-0-5
supporting organizations:
Indonesian Petroleum
Association
International Association of
Sedimentologists
Society of Sedimentary Geology American Association of Petroleum
Geologists
Courtesy of Greg Partyka

Deep-Water Sedimentation 2001 (Fosi - Deepwater)

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Proceedings of FOSI 2nd Regional Seminar

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