SPE 167027

Integrated Geochemical, Geomechanical and Geological (3G) Study of

Lower Baong Shale Formation for Preliminary Shale Gas Prospectivity in
the North Sumatra Basin
F. Bahesti, Pertamina EP; E. A. Subroto, Institute of Technology Bandung; N. A. Manaf, Pertamina EP; W.
Sadirsan, Pertamina EP; M. Wahyudin, Pertamina EP

Copyright 2013, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Unconventional Resources Conference and Exhibition-Asia Pacific held in Brisbane, Australia, 11–13 November 2013.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not been
reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its
officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper without the written consent of the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to
reproduce in print is restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of SPE copyright.

Abstract
The most common fallacy in evaluating shale gas potential in a basin is treated similar to those produced in the United States.
In fact, each basin has unique characteristics that influence shale facies type and depositional. Lower Baong shale is
responsible for source rock filled up sandstones reservoir in the oil and gas field in the North Sumatra Basin. This study
reveals the data and facts from the laboratory, drilling, wireline well logs and seismic through the integrated study of
geochemistry, geomechanics and geological synthesis of Lower Baong Formation. An understanding of shale geochemistry,
mineralogy and geomechanics is very important to understand how the shale reservoir has the potential to reserve and
produce when carried out stimulation. Geochemical laboratory analysis is used to determine the richness, maturity and
kerogen type. This information is limited to a certain depth point, so that it is necessary to conduct calibrations in order to
estimate the shale productive reservoir interval on a wireline log scale. Limited core data and rock mechanics laboratory
analysis represented by mineralogy then also calibrated with brittleness index. Thus, geochemical and geomechanical log
model tied to the seismic data, is a very useful tool for formation evaluation and broaden the understanding of shale reservoir
facies distribution. Understanding shale facies needed to design fracturing horizontal hole in more detail. This study also
classify shale based on organic richness, maturity, type, shale strengthness, shale brittleness and clay content. Shale facies in
Lower Baong shale can be divided into 3 facies of sweet spot area. Siliceous calcareous mudstone has high potential for
shale gas with 2-3.5% of TOC, II-III of kerogen type, maturity depth from 2300m, 350-425m of sweet spot thickness, 10000-
18000psia of UCS, 3000-4000 psia of Young modulus, 0.18-0.22 of Poisson ratio and associated with foreland basin fill
deep. Silty-shaly calcareous mudstone has medium potential for shale gas which is associated with foreland basin fill slope.
Silty-shaly dolomitic mudstone is associated with foreland basin fill edge that has high potential for shale. The integrated
approach for geochemistry and geomechanics is expected to reduce risk in shale gas exploration.

Introduction
Since the discovery of giant gas field, Arun, 1971, there has been no significant hydrocarbon in the North Sumatra Basin.
During the period of 1980 to 1995 only 14 medium-sized oil and gas fields were discovered in the North Sumatra Basin. Oil
and gas exploration efforts continue to be made in line with the increase in gas demand and production decline of
conventional gas. The most of the conventional hydrocarbon exploration play has been applied to the shallow and deep
targets but have no significantly contributed to reserves and production. Seismic acquisition and processing has also been
conducted to look back on the hydrocarbon potential but remains a high risk conventional resources and give more
subsurface uncertainty.

The exploration uncertainty to find “big fish” and high gas demand encourage studies in unconventional hydrocarbon
exploration. The exploration effort has been undertaken as an alternative in order to find new resources through evaluating
the hydrocarbon source rock. The mature organic-rich shale, in addition to act as source rock, can be thermogenic gas
reservoir, which is refered to shale gas. Primary permeability and porosity in shales are generally too small that it is often
regarded as a seal in the petroleum system. However it should be noted that shale can be a storage for large amounts of
natural gas.
2 SPE 167027

Highly prolific shale formations are typically deposited in the foreland basin, thick sediment and widely distributed
(Montgomery et al., 2005). Baong Formation was deposited in the early-middle phase of foreland basin fill environment
during regionally sagging phase of the basin in the Middle-Late Miocene. Bampo and Lower Baong shale are responsible for
major source rocks for oil and gas fields in North Sumatra (Barber et al., 2005). Genetically, depositional environment during
Middle-Late Miocene in the North Sumatra Basin allows the deposition of a thick shale to be prolific shale gas prospect.
Understanding shale geochemistry and geomechanics will be useful for determining shale gas potential and its resources
estimation.

The study area is located in the southeast border of North Sumatra Basin which is part of PT Pertamina EP’s working area
(Figure 1). The study objectives is Lower Baong Formation with dominantly shale lithology.

Figure 1. Location map of study area, its tectonic and regional stratigraphy.

Baong Formation fills depth from 750 m to 2500 m with thick mudstone dominated by gray, brown to black calcareous shale
rich in foraminifera, indicating a marine environment. Baong formation varied ages from the Lower Miocene to Middle
Miocene (N8-N16). Mulhadiono et al. (1982) splitted Baong Formation into three vertical units, the upper Baong, middle
Baong, and dominantly shale lower Baong. Lower Baong shale was deposited on a wide-spread batial environment.
Maximum sea level rise is characterized by the presence of globigerinid on the bottom zone N8-N9. Lower Baong shale
formations has an average total organic carbon (TOC) ranged from 0.78 to 2.31%, Sapropel-type amorphous kerogen and
humic-vitrinite, reached maturity with the vitrinite reflectance values between 0.6-1.2 (Mulhadiono et al., 1982).
Geochemical and geomechanical log modeling has been conducted in this study due to data limitations at the certain depth
point with calibration with laboratory data analysis.

Methods
The workflow study (Figure 2) results shale gas potential map and shale facies classification based on geochemistry and
geomechanics properties. This study begins with identifying the presence of lower Baong shale based on well geological
report and cuttings data observation that indicates shale gas potential. Laboratory analysis includes TOC, Rock-Eval
pyrolysis, Ro, petrographic, XRD, SEM and clay mineral content. Passey geochemical modeling has been conducted to
define geochemical data at the certain depth point without laboratory data. Geomechanics properties obtained from well
electric logs through calculation using the UCS-To. The processed seismic data in the study area hase been interpreted based
on upper and lower Baong shale horizon.

The input for Passey method includes sonic, resistivity, and gamma rays logs. The inferred TOC log is subsequently
calibrated with laboratory analysis. Kerogen type is obtained based on the plot between hydrogen index and Tmax using the
modified van Krevelen diagram. The pyrolysis data used to determine hydrocarbon maturity through cross plot between
depth, Ro and Tmax values. Further modeling has been conducted to define shale maturity such as burial history modeling.
The maturity depth is presented in contour maps in the study area.

The unavailability of core data for rock mechanics laboratory analysis calibrated with Brittleness Index (BI). Brittleness
Index calculated by Wang and Gale methods (2009), which is the ratio of brittle mineral content (quartz, calcite, dolomite)
compared with the total composition of the minerals based on data petrographic, XRD, and SEM. Geomechanics log
SPE 167027 3

modeling is calculated by combination of gamma ray, resistivity, density, and sonic logs. S and P waves are used to calculate
rock strength, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio through UCS-To methods (Nations, 1974). Shale geomechanics
properties obtained from the analysis of electric logs, petrophysical analysis also supported, need to be calibrated with the
brittleness index had previously acquired property that is considered to represent the actual shale geomechanics even without
the drill core data.

In addition to quantitative analysis, this study was also supported by qualitative analysis related to the shale deposition
environment. Geological synthesis is an important part in understanding the concept of unconventional shale gas. Geological
synthesis used to dictributes geological facies and shale gas potential which is quantified by geochemistry and geomechanics
properties. Lateral and vertical distribution can be more easily understood by qualitative analysis where shale gas potential
can be mapped to carry out geological modeling. The relationship between shale facies, depositional environment,
geochemistry and geomechanics properties and interesting zones (sweet spot) of shale gas has been integrated in this study.
4 SPE 167027

Geochemical Modeling
The geochemistry analysis from laboratory has been completely obtained from 8 wells that penetrate lower baong shale
formation. TOC data limited in certain depth point, so that it needs TOC log modeling through Passey method (Passey et al.,
1990). There is good correlation between TOC log modeling calibrated with TOC from laboratory analysis (Figure 3). Based
on the plot between TOC and S2, Level of Maturity (LOM) values obtained ranged from 6-12. High TOC values obtained
when there is a high separation between the sonic and resistivity log curves (DlogR).

7
Zona TOC tinggi

TOC hasil 5
SERANG(SRG)-2
analisis
Lab. DARAT UTARA(DRU)-1

TANJUNG PUTUS(TPB)-1

S2 (mg HC/g Rock)

4
BATUMANDI(BTM)-1

WAMPU(WPU)-2

DISKI(DSK)-1
3
GARCINIA(GCI)-1

PANTAI PAKAM
TIMUR(PPT)-1

2
Shale Play

0
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
TOC (WT.%)

Figure 3. TOC log modeling in a well with limited TOC analysis from laboratory. TOC and S2 crossplot shows Level of
Maturity (LOM) of each well as input in Passey method TOC modeling.

Lower Baong shale has a thickness ranging between 300-700 m, while the shale rich in organic material intervals ranging
from 60-425 m with maximum TOC average 0.8 to 3.5%. Based on the maximum TOC value at a certain thickness, type and
maturity of kerogen, lower Baong shale can be classified into three geochemical facies (Table 1):
1. Facies A, 2-3.5% TOC, type II-III, thickness of 275-425 m.
2. Facies B, 1.5-2.5% TOC, type II-III, thickness of 150-250 m.
3. Facies C, 0.8-2% TOC, type II-III, thickness of 50-150 m.

Table 1. Geochemistry log model results from 16 wells in study area.

Baong Shale Dtcl Rclay Grco Average Thickness

No. Well LOM Grad
Top Bottom us/ft ohm.m gAPI max. TOC @max. TOC
1 SRG-2 2450 2860 109 1.01 75 10 2 1.5-3 80
2 SEM-A1 1932 2823 106 1.32 45 9.5 2 2.8-3.2 350
3 STD-1 1895 2815 107 1 60 9.5 2 2-2.5 400
4 SEK-A1 1328 2278 104 1.2 70 9 2 2-3.2 325
5 DRU-1 1770 2312 107 1.5 85 10 2 2-3.5 275
6 TPB-1 2016 2794 108 1.17 88 10 2 1-1.9 125
7 BAS-A1 1853 2331 89 1.4 62 9 2 0.8-1.2 60
8 GCI-1 1800 2501 105 1.08 70 9 2 1-1.5 150
9 PP-A1 1800 2446 87 2.74 65 9 2 1.8-2.5 125
10 PPT-3 1800 2423 101 1 68 9 2 2-3.2 175
11 PPT-2A 1780 2400 105 1 70 9 2 2-2.8 125
12 WMP-4 1758 2282 121 1.14 70 10 2 1.5-3 180
13 BTM-1 1700 2400 127 1.16 70 9 2 1.8-3.1 100
14 DSK-1 1785 2198 99 1.33 70 9 2 1.8-3.2 150
15 POL-2 1950 2447 97 1.7 58 9 2 1.5-2.5 200
16 TEL-A1 1670 2430 102 1.19 60 10 2 2.1-3.1 425
SPE 167027 5

Baong shale reached maturity at age 10 to 5.5 million years ago or Late Miocene (Pranyoto et al., 1990). Crossplot between
Ro and depth in some wells showed that maturity Baong bottom formation begins at a depth of 2000 m (Figure 4). The burial
history model also confirmed the maturity depth ranging 2000-3000 m shallower to the southeastern area. Increasing Ro
value was also followed by a sharp rise in the value of Tmax. Crossplot of hydrogen index and Tmax in the van Krevelen
diagram reveal the dominant kerogen type III and II. Ro equivalent of the maturity value of Tmax shows vitrinite reflectance
values from 0.6 to 1.3% Ro, so that lower Baong shale as kerogen can be considered as mature source rock or shale.

The thickness of lower Baong shale at least shows paleogeographic conditions during shale deposition. In areas with a lower
paleogeographic conditions, then the thicker shale deposits in sagging phase. Thickening of the shale is comparable to its
higher maturity shown by the distribution of vitrinite reflectance.

Tipe Serpih Ro Distribution

10 Wells in North Sumatra Working Area

1200

1100

1000

900 Ro=0.6
Timing Onset Gas Generation
800
Hydrigen Index (HI)

700

600

500

400

Gas Generation Kitchen Map

300

200
Ro=1.3

100

0
375 395 415 435 455 475 495 515
Tmax (degC)

No data Kontur isomaturity (m)

2750
2700 TOC: >1.5-2.5%
2650 Type II-III
Ketebalan: 80-200m

2600
Tamiang Deep
2550

TOC: 2-3.5%
Type II-III 2500
Ketebalan: 275-425m
2450

2400

TOC: 0.8-2%
Type II-III
Ketebalan: 60-150m

2350 2300

2250

Figure 4. 3D model of maturity distribution when gas generated in lower Baong shale interval, crossplot between Tmax, HI
and Ro in van Krevelen diagram, and shale thickness overlaid with TOC ranging.
6 SPE 167027

Geomechanical Modeling

The analysis of brittleness in principle give better understanding of shale fractability which is the key important in hydraulic
fracturing in order to produce gas from shale. Shale is brittle depending on brittle mineral content such as quartz, calcite and
dolomite. Shale has a grain size of mud (mud-sized particles) and textured sides (fissile), while the non-fissile mudstone
(Boggs, 2001). Wang and Gale (2009) introduced the Brittleness Index (BI) calculation based on shale mineralogy
composition. Petrographic analysis and XRD results show the percentage of the minerals that are brittle and ductile. The BI
calculation based on 15 samples of cuttings has given value BI of 0.36 to 0.81. The average BI value around 0.64 in lower
Baong shale indicates good brittleness index.

The other geomechanics properties for shale brittleness prediction are Young modulus and Poisson’s ratio. Log analysis
indicates that there are high, medium and low brittleness index in 16 wells. High brittleness characterized by high value of
Young's modulus and lower Poisson's ratio (Figure 5).

Crossplot of Young modulus and Poisson's ratio

4500
WELLS
SRG-2
4000 SEM-A1
STD-1
3500 SEK-A1
TPB-1
Modulus Young (p

BAS-A1
3000 GCI-1
PP-A1
2500 PPT-3
WMP-4
BTM-1
2000
DSK-1
POL-2
1500 TEL-A1
BRITTLENESS INDEX
1000
HIGH

500 MEDIUM
LOW
0
0.4 0.35 0.3 0.25 0.2 0.15 0.1 0.05 0
Rasio Poisson
Figure 5. Crossplot Young modulus and Poisson’s ratio reveals high, medium and low brittleness index in 16 wells.

Geomechanics properties such as Young modulus and Poisson's ratio obtained from log analysis must be calibrated with the
core triaxial testing from laboratory. However, the unavailability of core data, the calibration of Young modulus and
Poisson’s ratio logs approached by Brittleness Index (BI) based on cutting’s XRD analysis. Relationship between BI and the
separation value of Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio showed a positive correlation as indicated by SRG-2 well (Figure 6).
The wider log separation between Young modulus and Poisson's ratio, the greater the value of BI so this zone can be
predicted as a good brittleness or shale potential for hydraulic fracturing. The sweet spot is represented by optimum
geochemistry and geomechanics properties in the red column (Table 2), respectively.
SPE 167027 7

Table 2. The result of geochemical and geomechanical modeling of lower Baong shale in the North Sumatra Basin.
Serpih Baong
Interval "sweet Ketebalan Young
bagian bawah TOC Maks UCS Poisson's Brittleness
No. Sumur spot" (mMD) "sweet Modulus
(mMD) rata-rata (psia) Ratio Index
spot" (m) (psia)
Top Bottom Top Bottom

1 SRG-2 2450 2860 2470 2550 80 1.5-3 10000 3000 0.22 0.57

2 SEM-A1 1932 2823 2050 2400 350 2.8-3.2 18000 4000 0.17 -

3 STD-1 1895 2815 2350 2750 400 2-2.5 10000 2500 0.21 -

4 SEK-A1 1328 2278 1750 2075 325 2-3.2 8000 2200 0.22 0.57

5 DRU-1 1770 2312 1775 2050 275 2-3.5 - - - 0.68

6 TPB-1 2016 2794 2225 2350 125 1-1.9 6000 2200 0.23 -

7 BAS-A1 1853 2331 2200 2260 60 0.8-1.2 15000 2500 0.22 -

8 GCI-1 1800 2501 1900 2050 150 1-1.5 6500 2300 0.24 -

9 PP-A1 1800 2446 1850 1975 125 1.8-2.5 10000 3000 0.23 -

10 PPT-3 1800 2423 1775 1950 175 2-3.2 12000 3500 0.18 -

11 PPT-2A 1780 2400 1975 2100 125 2-2.8 - - - -

12 WMP-4 1758 2282 1870 2050 180 1.5-3 10000 2600 0.23 -

13 BTM-1 1700 2400 2275 2375 100 1.8-3.1 15000 4000 0.2 -

14 DSK-1 1785 2198 1800 1950 150 1.8-3.2 11000 2500 0.21 -

15 POL-2 1950 2447 2180 2380 200 1.5-2.5 10500 4000 0.18 -

16 TEL-A1 1670 2430 1800 2225 425 2.1-3.1 8000 2200 0.23 0.66

Integrated analysis of geochemistry and geomechanics at lower Baong shale using well log data shown in SRG-2 well
(Figure 6) and the SEM-A1 well (Figure 7). The sweet spot zone on SRG-2 well interpreted as zones with high TOC (2-3%),
wide separation between Young modulus log (2500 psi) and Poisson's ratio (0.22) in the depth interval 2460-2550 m. In
SEM-A1 well, the sweet spot zone indicated by TOC values up to 3%, a separation between the Poisson's ratio and Young
modulus at depth 2060 m to 2400 m. The rich in organic matter interval and good brittleness shale serve as the initial criteria
to define of optimum geochemistry and geomechanics prospectivity of shale gas. The same analysis performed on other wells
in order to obtain interesting zone with a certain thickness (Figure 8).

Sometimes, in the interval with rich-in organic material often found low brittleness index. Therefore, it is necessary that
sufficient geological understanding in localized optimum value of interesting zones or sweet spot.
8 SPE 167027

Sweet spot

A BI=0.36

B BI=0.57

Figure 6. Geochemical and geomechanical modeling of SRG-2 well.

Sweet spot

Figure 7. Geochemical and geomechanical modeling of SEM-A1 well.

SPE 167027 9

Sweet spot ??

Sweet spot

Figure 8. Geochemical and geomechanical modeling of POL-2 well.

Clay mineral content obtained from XRD analysis consists of four types, namely kaolinite, illite, chlorite and smectite. The
content of smectite and montmorillonite will disrupt hydraulic fracturing. Smectite and montmorillonite has a pattern of
inflammation (swelling) when dissolved in water due to substitution of hydrogen atoms in the octahedral structure of clay
minerals (Foster, 1953).
A number of cutting samples selected on lower Baong shale interval to be analyzed their clay minerals content. The clay
mineral includes kaolinite, illite, chlorite and smectite with variable quantity as indicated by a triangle chart kaolinite / illite,
smectite and chlorite (Figure 9). The presence of smectite in excess of 5% allows the swelling as contained in SRG-2 wells at
a depth interval 2624-2836 m. But statistically the presence of smectite minerals is relatively low in the study area (Table 3).

KAOLINIT+ILIT

60.29 64.84
69.38 67.14
61.96 80.00
61.96 80.00
59.49 81.43 6
82.17 68.33 7
79.28 70.00
67.74 76.67 11
59.49 67.14
53.30 75.00 2 8
73.51 15
73.33
25.16 93.7514
4
3
30.99 88.79
1 9 5
63.08 66.45
66.29 60.00
10
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#DIV/0! #DIV/0!
#DIV/0! #DIV/0!
#DIV/0! #DIV/0!
SMEKTIT #DIV/0! #DIV/0! KLORIT

Figure 9. Ternary plot of clay mineral content in shale Baong Formation from 15 cutting samples.
10 SPE 167027

The clay minerals content, micro-porosity and microstructure on shale can visually identified through analysis of Scanning
Electron Microscopy (SEM). Dominantly illite and chlorite clay minerals can be seen in the SEM analysis of TEL-A1 and
DRU-A1 wells (Figure 10 and 11). Fracture porosity with a pore size of 5-30 microns can also be observed in space among
clay minerals and skeletal secondary porosity due to dissolution of calcite in the interval 1340-1370 m depth at TEL-A1 well.

CALCITE

1940 -1970 M

CHLORITE
ILLITE

1340 -1370 M

Figure 10. SEM analysis of TEL-A1 well in the lower Baong shale.

dissolution
Sumur DRU-A1

Calcite

Detrital clays (illite), fragment Qz, carbonaceous, skeletal

foram, intergranular porosity, micro-porosity 3-35 micron.

Illite
Dol

Fe-calite Fossil
chamber

Ferroan dolomite is found as replacement within clay

matrix which was identified as illite. Ferroan calcite
precipatated within chambers of fossil.

Figure 11. SEM analysis of DRU-A1 well in the lower Baong shale.
SPE 167027 11

Result and Discussion

Geochemistry and geomechanics properties can be integrated as parameters in the mapping potential of shale gas. High-
potential shale facies (sweet spot) is indicated by optimum organic rich, mature, and brittle shale (Table 4). Shale facies in the
red column shows the high prospectivity for shale gas, characterized by 2 to 3.5% TOC, reach maturity at a depth of over
2500 m, a thickness of 300-425 m sweet-spot, type II-III, have a good brittleness (high Young modulus, low Poisson's ratio)
and associated with siliceous calcareous mudstone and silty-shaly dolomitic mudstone. Silty-shaly calcareous mudstone has
low prospectivity with 0.8-2.5% TOC, the sweet-spot thickness of 60-275 m and a medium-low level of brittleness.

The distribution of organic materials in basinal area is limited to shelf margin of foreland basin (Passey et al., 2010). The
maximum organic content found on Transgressive System Tract (TST) and decreased at the lower limit of the maximum
flooding surface. Bathymetric conditions and processes that occur in the ocean circulation controlled the distribution of fine
sediment and material that sedimented with the clastic sediment.

Table 4. The modeling result in geochemistry and geomechanics of shale fasies in relationship with shale gas prospectivity in
lower Baong Formation.
Shale Interval "sweet spot" Young
"sweet spot" Average UCS Poisson's Brittleness Shale Shale
No. Well (mMD) Interval (mMD) modulus Lithology Description from cuttings Shale Facies
Thickness (m) TOC max. (psia) ratio Index (BI) Prospectivity Facies
Top Bot. Top Bot. (psia)
1 SRG-2 2450 2860 2470 2550 80 1.5-3 10000 3000 0.22 0.57 Sh, dkgy, fiss, modhd, calc, argil, crypt, silty Silicaceous calcareous mudstone High A
2 SEM-A1 1932 2823 2050 2400 350 2.8-3.2 18000 4000 0.17 - Sh, dkgy, fiss, modhd, calc, argil, crypt, silty, py Silicaceous calcareous mudstone High A
3 STD-1 1895 2815 2350 2750 400 2-2.5 10000 2500 0.21 - Sh, dkgy, fiss, modhd, calc, plty Silicaceous calcareous mudstone High A
4 SEK-A1 1328 2278 1750 2075 325 2-3.2 8000 2200 0.22 0.57 Sh, gy-dkgy slst, stream cut, calc, dol, foss, Silty-shaly dolomitic mudstone Medium B
5 DRU-1 1770 2312 1775 2050 275 2-3.5 - - - 0.68 Sh, dolomitic, brn-drk, lam slst, calc, strk carb Silty-shaly dolomitic mudstone High A
6 TPB-1 2016 2794 2225 2350 125 1-1.9 6000 2200 0.23 - Sh, silty, calc, dkgy, lam, modhd Silty-shaly calcareous mudstone Low C
7 BAS-A1 1853 2331 2200 2260 60 0.8-1.2 15000 2500 0.22 - Sh, silty, calc, glauc, mod hd Silty-shaly calcareous mudstone Low C
8 GCI-1 1800 2501 1900 2050 150 1-1.5 6500 2300 0.24 - Sh, silty, calc, dkgy, lam, modhd Silty-shaly calcareous mudstone Low C
9 PP-A1 1800 2446 1850 1975 125 1.8-2.5 10000 3000 0.23 - Sh, silty, calc, dkgy, lam, modhd, stringer dolomitic, ms Silty-shaly dolomitic mudstone Medium B
10 PPT-3 1800 2423 1775 1950 175 2-3.2 12000 3500 0.18 - Sh, dkgy, fiss, modhd, calc Silicaceous calcareous mudstone High A
11 PPT-2A 1780 2400 1975 2100 125 2-2.8 - - - - Sh, gy-dkgy, slst, britt, foss Silicaceous calcareous mudstone Medium B
12 WMP-4 1758 2282 1870 2050 180 1.5-3 10000 2600 0.23 - Sh, blk, slt, calc, dol strk, crypt, glauc Silicaceous calcareous mudstone Medium B
13 BTM-1 1700 2400 2275 2375 100 1.8-3.1 15000 4000 0.2 - Sh, slst, drkgy-drkbrn, calc, pyritic Silicaceous calcareous mudstone Medium B
14 DSK-1 1785 2198 1800 1950 150 1.8-3.2 11000 2500 0.21 - Sh, calc, drgy-brn, mod hd, laminated slst Silicaceous calcareous mudstone Medium B
15 POL-2 1950 2447 2180 2380 200 1.5-2.5 10500 4000 0.18 - Sh, drkgy, fiss, calc, modhd Silicaceous calcareous mudstone Medium B
16 TEL-A1 1670 2430 1800 2225 425 2.1-3.1 8000 2200 0.23 0.66 Sh, silty, calc, dkgy, lam, modhd, strk dol, britt, 300unit C1 Silty-shaly dolomitic mudstone High A

Lower Baong shale according to Mulhadiono et al. (1982) consists of mudstone mainly of calcareous mudstone, dark gray,
rich in foraminifera, indicating a marine depositional environment. Based on the cross-correlation of sequence stratigraphic,
the maximum flooding surface will be the top of lower Baong shale (Figure 12). Davies (1984) interpreted the source of
sediments of lower Baong dominantly came from Malacca Platform. Based on the geological cross-section reconstruction,
the sediment supply also came from local high in the southeastern (Tanjung Morawa High) that is responsible for clastic
sediment supply for shale prospect. It has implications for the content of granular quartz, calcite and dolomite that will
increase the brittleness Baong shale as shale gas potential.

NW SE
SRG-2 SEM-A1 STD-1 SEK-A1 TEL-A1 DRU-A1 BAS-A1 GCI-1 PP-A1 PPT-3 PPT-2A WP-4 TPB-1 BTM-1 DSK-1 POL-2

UCS (0-25000)
TOC (0-5%) modulus Young (0-10000 psia)
Flattening pada top MFS GR (0-150 API) rasio Poisson (0,09-0,25)

fs2

NW

Fasies Serpih A Fasies Serpih B Fasies Serpih C Penampang distribusi fasies serpih
TOC: 2-3.5% TOC: 1.5-2.5% TOC: 0.8-2% berdasarkan karakter geokimia dan
Type II-III Type II-III Type II-III geomekanika. Berdasarkan hasil SE
Maturity depth > 2400m Maturity depth > 2300m Maturity depth > 2200m evaluai lebih detail, terdapat hubungan
Ketebalan: 275-425m Ketebalan: 80-200m Ketebalan: 60-150m antara flooding surface 2 (fs2) (garis
UCS: 8000-18000psia UCS: 10000-15000 UCS: 6000-10000 warna ungu) berkorelasi dengan
Young modulus: >2400psia Young modulus: >2300psia Young modulus: >2200psia kualitas serpih (fasies A berwarna
Poisson’s ratio: 0.17-0.22 Poisson’s ratio: 0.21-0.23 Poisson’s ratio: 0.22-0.24 merah).

Figure 12. Well correlation flattened on the top maximum flooding surface or top of lower Baong shale.
12 SPE 167027

Although shale geochemical parameters do not have a direct relationship with shale geomechanics properties, but relatively
high TOC values (2 to 3.2%) generally associated with relatively moderate to low brittleness of shale. TOC are relatively
moderate (1.5-2.5%) but has a high level of brittleness with 4000 psia Young modulus and Poisson's ratio 0.18 shown in
POL-2 wells and well-developed of silicacous calcareous mudstone facies.

Figure 12. Seismic-well controlled section flattened on the top maximum flooding surface or top of lower Baong shale.

The North Sumatra Basin physiographic in the Middle-Late Miocene was interpreted as foreland basin. Lower Baong shale
deposition can be interpreted as basin edge, slope to deep basin fill environment. It thickened to the northwestern part of the
study area, proved by thickening of the sediments in this direction (Figure 13). This condition allows the enrichment of
organic material deposition especially in the deeper part of the basin. At the regional seismic, shale facies with high
prospectivity (red color) is distributed in the north to northwest of study area. The medium prospectivity is distributed in the
foreland basin fill edge. At the location between the edge and the depth basin shale facies types can be found potentially low
prospectivity (green color), deposited in the foreland basin fill slope. Clastic sediment sources in the depth interpreted from
Platform Malacca, Tanjung Tinggian Morowa, and Tebing Tinggi High. With the supply of clastic sediment then it is
interpreted that the shale Baong bottom will not lack of brittle minerals such as quartz and dolomite.

Relationship between shale facies distribution and depositional history of shale Baong bottom can be explained by
paleogeography model during deposition of lower Baong shale. Siliceous calcareous mudstone facies (Facies A), high-
potential shale gas, is distributed within the realm of the basin deep in the northwestern part of the study area. Getting to the
southeastern, shale facies change to silty-shaly dolomitic mudstone (Facies B). Facies B deposited at the edge of the basin,
distributed in the northeast to the southeast of study area. Silty-shaly calcareous mudstone (Facies C), distributed in the basin
slopes or in the middle part of the study area.
SPE 167027 13

Figure 13. 3D paleogeography model of lower Baong shale depositional environment outlined by shale gas prospectivity.

Conclusion
Based on geochemical modeling, lower Baong shale formations can be classified as source rock with TOC 0.8 to 3.5%,
reaching maturity in Tmax between 435-460 0C or equivalent vitrinite reflectance between 0.6 to 1.3% Ro, and is the source
rock of type II-III kerogen. Lower Baong shale can be shale gas potential with interesting zone thickness (sweet spot) ranged
between 80-425 m.

Shale geomechanical modeling of lower Baong shale shows values between 2200-4000 psia Young modulus, Poisson's ratio
between 0.18 to 0.24, and the value of rock strength (UCS) between 8000-18000 psia. The shale geomechanics analysis
results directly proportional to the brittleness index (BI) with an average value of BI 0.6. Based on parameters such
geomechanics, lower Baong shale can be good potential for shale gas in some sweet spot area.

Based on the clay minerals analysis, lower Baong shale generally contain clay minerals illite, kaolinite, chlorite with smectite
percentage below 10%. Secondary porosity due to diagenetic processes can be observed as micro porosity and fracture.

Geological synthesis and sequence stratigraphic analysis shows the development of three shale facies i.e. :
1. Facies A (siliceous calcareous mudstone), relatively high-medium potential, TOC values from 2 to 3.5%, type II-III
kerogen, reaching maturity ranging depth of 2300 m, the thickness of the sweet spot between 350-425 m, UCS
10000-18000 psia, psia 3000-4000 Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio from 0.18 to 0.22, and associated with
foreland basin fill deep which is distributed in the northwest-north area of research.
2. Facies B (silty-shaly dolomitic mudstone), potentially relatively moderate, 1.5-2.5% TOC, type II-III kerogen,
reaching maturity ranging depth of 2200 m, the thickness of the zone sweet spot between 200-325 m, UCS 8000 -
10000 psia, psia 2300-2600 Young's modulus, and Poisson's ratio from 0.21 to 0.23, and associated with the
forlenad basin fill edge which is distributed in the northeast to the southeast part of the study area.
3. Facies C (silty-shaly calcareous mudstone), relatively low potential, TOC 0.8-2%, type II-III kerogen, reaching
maturity ranging depth of 2100 m, the thickness of the zone sweet spot between 80-125 m, UCS 6000-8000 psia,
2200 psia Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio from 0.22 to 0.24, and associated with foreland basin slopes which is
distributed in the central part of the study area.

Geochemical modeling, geomechanics, and geological synthesis has been successfully classify shale facies based on
litofasies, lateral and vertical distribution, sweet spot zone and its relationship with the paleogeographic models for shale gas
prospectivity.
14 SPE 167027

Acknowledgements
We are appreciative of Directorate of Oil and Gas of Indonesia for allowing us the opportunity to publish the results in this
paper. We acknowledge Pertamina EP for approving this publication as well. We also thank to reviewer for the through
editing of the manuscript.

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