Prospect Mapping of Reservoir A, Maari Manaia, Taranaki Basin,

NZ

by

AbdulRahman Hashim Mohamed Ibrahim

22434

Interim report submitted in partial fulfilment of

the requirements for the
Bachelor of Technology (Hons)
Petroleum Geoscience

May 2018

Department of Geosciences
Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS
32610 Bandar Seri Iskandar
Perak Darul Ridzuan
 ABSTRACT

The Maari Field, located in the southern part of Taranaki Basin in New Zealand, is
comparatively a large oil field restricted by two main structures, which are the Eastern Mobile
Belt and Western Stable Platform. The five wells reservoirs from Moki Formation in Maari
Field yields, on average, forty thousand barrels of oil per day (40k BOPD). As a part of the
Wai-iti Group, Moki Formation is deposited in Miocene age. It comprises of layers of
sandstones interbedded between claystone and siltstone. The Moki Formation sandstone is
deposited along the shelf of South and Central of Taranaki in addition of being classified by a
submarine fan. The mechanism used to interpret data is by three-dimensional (3D) seismic data
together with well logs. Kiwi fault is a major fault that divides the major structure of the Moki
Formation into subdivisions of topography with high and low altitudes which represents the
time and depth structural maps of the Moki Formation. Major and minor faults were interpreted
using seismic attributes, some of which are variance and RMS Amplitude. The trend of the fault
begins form south heading towards northeast direction. The Moki Reservoir petrophysical
properties was specified by using well log data, meanwhile the correlation between well and
lithology was determined by the use of gamma ray, followed by resistivity and spontaneous
potential logs.

II
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ii
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 2
1.1 Background of Study 2
1.2 Problems Statements 4
1.3 Objectives 5
1.4 Scope of Study 6
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW 7
2.1 Geological Setting of Taranaki Basin 7
2.2 Stratigraphy of the Taranaki Basin 12
2.3 The petroleum system of the Taranaki Basin 14
2.3.1 Source Rock 15
2.3.2 Reservoir and Seal Rocks 15
2.4 Geology of Maari-Manaia Fields 17
2.4.1 Reservoir Characteristics 17
2.4.2 Production and Reserves 17
2.4.3 Depositional system of the Moki Formation 17
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY 19
3.1 Introduction 19
3.2 Project Workflow 19
3.3 Data Gathering 20
3.3.1 Seismic Data 22
3.3.2 Well log Data 21
3.4 Prospect Study 22
3.4.1 Polarity Determination 22
3.4.2 Well to Seismic Tie 22
3.4.3 Well Correlation 22
3.4.4 Structural Interpretation 23
3.4.4.1 Fault Picking 23
3.4.4.2 Horizon Picking 23
3.4.5 Time Map Generation 24
3.5 FYP 1 Gantt Chart 25
3.6 FYP 2 Gantt Chart 26

III
 3.7 Project Milestones 27
CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 28
4.1 Map of Study Area 28
4.2 Base Map 29
4.3 Well Information 30
4.4 Well Correlation 31
4.5 Seismic Interpretation 33
4.5.1 Fault Interpretation 33
4.5.2 Seismic Interpretation 34
4.6 Two-Way Time (TWT) Map 35
CHAPTER 5: CONSLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS…………36
5.1 Conclusions…………………………………………..36
5.2 Recommendations………………………………...….37
REFERENCES…………………………………………………………………...…38
APPENDICES….…………………………………………………………………...39

IV
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1 Location of the Maari Field in southern of the Taranaki Basin,
New Zealand (Google Earth) 2

Figure 1.2 Maari-Manaia Schematic cross-section 3

Figure 2.1 Maps illustrating the structural development in Taranaki Basin

through the Cretaceous to Pleistocene 8

Figure 2.2 The Western Stable Platform and the Eastern Mobile Belt with the
Northern Graben, Central Graben, and Southern Inversion Zone
(Webster et al., 2011). 9

Figure 2.3 The location of the Maari Field in the Southern Inversion Zone
(Hart, 2001). 10

Figure 2.4 The location of the Maari Field in the Southern Inversion Zone
(Hart, 2001). 11

Figure 2.5 Stratigraphy of the Taranaki Basin (Hart, 2001). 14

Figure 2.6 The petroleum system of the Taranaki Basin (King and
Thrasher, 1996). 16

Figure 2.7 Deposition of the Moki Formation during the Middle Miocene
(Strogen et al., 2009). 18

Figure 3.1 Project’s Flowchart 19

Figure 3.2 Location of the Maari 3D field in southern unit of the Taranaki
Basin (Reilly et al., 2014). 20

Figure 4.1 Trace map of the study area 28

Figure 4.2 Base Map of Maari Field 29

Figure 4.3 Well correlation showing the distribution of lithology for all
formations along Maari-1 and Maari-2 32
Figure 4.4 Faults Display in 3D view 33

Figure 4.5 Faults Display in 3D upper view 33

V
Figure 4.6 Interpreted horizon display in 3D view 34

Figure 4.7 Interpreted horizon display in 3D upper view 34

Figure 4.8: TWT map for top of Moki Formation 35

VI
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Well data and well logs data availability for the project 21

Table 2: Gantt chart for FYP I 25

Table 3: Gantt chart for FYP II 26
Table 1: Project Milestone 27
Table 4.1: Maari-1 well information 30

Table 4.2: Maari-2 well information 30

VII
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

This study regards the prospect mapping of an offshore Maari-Manaia field situated
in Taranaki Basin, New Zealand, specifically reservoir X. The main criterion of the
term prospect mapping is to locate possible hydrocarbon resources in petroleum
systems as well as play elements found in the basin. The only producing province in
New Zealand, the Taranaki Basin, is the first sedimentary basin to be explored for
hydrocarbons (Uruski, 2008). Covering around 330,000 km², the Taranaki Basin is on
the west coast of North Island and is situated predominately offshore.

Figure 2.1: Location of the Maari Field in southern of the

Taranaki Basin, New Zealand (Google Earth)

2
 Adjacent with the Taranaki Basin is the Reinga Basin towards the north
meanwhile the West Coast basin towards the south. Nevertheless, there are no wells
that have been drilled across the shelf margin. Furthermore, in Taranaki basin, there has
been more than 400 onshore and offshore exploration and production (E&P) wells
drilled (Uruski, 2008). Moreover, there are approximately 20 producing fields situated
in Taranaki Basin, both onshore and offshore.

The widely known as the largest oilfield in New Zealand, The Maari-Manaia
field is situated in offshore of Taranaki Basin, and was predominantly discovered by an
initial appraisal well, the Moki-I, in October, 1983. The well is situated 80 km offshore
in the Southern Inversion Zone (King & Browne, 2001). In 1985, 1998 and 2003, there
were further appraisal wells drilled and the concluding development result was made
in 2005. A finding of vital additional oil accumulations near Manaia prospect in 2009
which was initially recognized in the Maui-4 well, drilled in 1970’s, successfully
doubled the field reserves.

Figure 1.2: Maari-Manaia Schematic cross-section

The Maari structure is described as a closure, trending north-south which is

formed by Neogene shortening. The primary resevoir is Moki Formation’s turbidite
sands that is depostied in middle Miocene, simultaneously with additional hydrocarbon
accumulations in the younger M2A and older Eocene Kapuni Group sands.
3
 The Taranaki Basin has been contruibuting a big portion of New Zealand’s
petroleum production with more than 1.8 billion barrels of BOE prodcued to date,
amongst 70% is gas. In addition, more than 400 wells have been drilled in Taranaki
Basin across seemingly 20 fields. Maui, Pohokura, Kupe, Maari, Kapuni, McKee, and
many further fields are among the current petroleum fields.

Distinctively as Maari Field, an oil reservoir recognized as the second largest

crude oil field in the country with roughly 49 million barrels of proven reserves. Oil
production commenced in February, 2009, and is potentially suspected to have a
productive life of 10 to 15 years for the field. The field was named Maaria-Manaia as
Manaia field neighboring to the Maari field increased the recoverable reserves from 50
mmbbl to 100 mmbbl, almost double, which was discovered in 2009. Today’s Maari-
Manaia field has a preliminary production of nearly 40,000 bopd.

In 2017, the production from Maari and Manaia fields averaged 8,300 bopd
gross over financial year, impacted by a six- week shutdown in November 2016 for
field maintenance and repairs. Additionally, the coverage of seismic survey over the
area is generally considered good. There are a variety of seismic data existing in
Taranaki area over the previous decades as seismic surveying has been a routine since
the 1960’s. Most seismic obtained is 2D, with increasing volumes of 3D now becoming
open file.

1.2 Problem Statements

Oil and gas exploration is an industry in constant motion, from technological

breakthroughs to shifting supply and demand. The most challenging atmosphere is the
high costs of finding and developing new oil and gas fields that can be commercially
developed, with explorers increasingly seeing low returns, low value and slow progress.

The Taranaki Basin is the only commercially important producing hydrocarbon

reservoir in New Zealand, therefore in the effort of exploring and discovering new
potential reservoir, enhancing knowledge of the occurrence of the basin and
subsequently understanding the Taranaki Basin itself, numerous research has been

4
carried out. However, with all the conducted researches done across the Taranaki basin,
only a minimum emphasis of study has been done to Maari-Manaia field. Moreover, as
Maari-Manaia field is considered one of the biggest oil fields in New Zealand with
considerable potentials, yet it is hardly a focus target to researchers and explorers to
enhance the production or further study its geological stratigraphy and petroleum
system. The main motive of this research being done is that the author believes that
there is a high chance in discovering a possible prospect by implementing intensive and
comprehensive studies and analysis to the reservoir characteristics purposely to identify
the petroleum system elements within the reservoir.

1.3 Objectives

The main objectives of this project are:

1. To investigate the potential reservoir prospect using 3D seismic data of Maari-

Manaia field in Taranaki Basin.

2. To identify the petroleum system elements of the identified potential reservoir

in Maari-Manaia field.

3. To evaluate the volume of the potential hydrocarbon resources, of an offshore

field, Taranaki Basin.

4. To propose a model of depositional setting of the potential reservoir prospect in

Maari-Manaia field.

5
1.4 Scope of Study

The project that will be carried out will identify the potential reservoir prospect of
Maari-Manaia field located in Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. This can be achieved by
evaluating the potential hydrocarbon resources through petroleum system analysis. The
purpose of the petroleum system analysis is to investigate the possibility of a petroleum
system presence in the basin by analyzing the effective key play elements and quality
of the reservoir, source, trap and timing. The key activities would include, literature
study, seismic interpretation using Petrel Software, surface 5 gridding for TWT map
and generating depth map, volumetric parameters assessment and estimation, and
prospect evaluation as well as frequent discussion with supervisor. In order to achieve
these targets, there are some skills are required especially in interpretation of seismic
data. For example, the interpretation technique while using the appropriate software
and tools while doing the research on the project. A good geological analysis and
interpretation skills are also necessary to produce a good outcome.

6
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2. Geological Setting of Taranaki Basin

The Taranaki Basin is situated along the west coast of New Zealand’s North
Island and northern South Island. The basin is surrounded on the east by the submerged
Taranaki Fault and related Waimea–Flaxmore faults. Nevertheless, the western
boundary is generally placed at the present day shelf break, the stratigraphy spreads
towards the west into what has been called the Deepwater Taranaki Basin, and beyond
that into the New Caledonia Basin (Uruski, 2008).

The Late Cretaceous manifested the early phase of basin evolution and was
dominated by extensional faulting and syn-rift deposits associated with the breakup of
Gondwana and the formation of the Tasman Sea (Bal, 1994, King and Thrasher,
1996, King et al., 1999; Thrasher, 1990). The sediments from Late Cretaceous were
deposited in numerous sub-basins, with some of the thickest deposits in the Pakawau,
Manaia, and Maui sub-basins in the south, and the Moa and Te Ranga sub-basins in the
north (Figure 2.1A). Late Cretaceous sediments also form a cover over the relatively
un-faulted Western Platform region in western parts of the basin. Late Cretaceous
sediments are overlain by a Tertiary late-rift and post-rift transgressive succession
(King and Thrasher, 1996).

7
 Figure 2.1: Maps illustrating the structural development in Taranaki Basin through the
Cretaceous to Pleistocene

Tectonic activity began to increase again in the Late Eocene and through
the Oligocene, correlated to the initial development of a new boundary between the
Australian and Pacific plates (Stagpoole and Nicol, 2008; Reilly et al., 2015). The
related deformation within Taranaki Basin, which lay between regions of active
extension further to the south and compression to the north (King, 2000), was expressed
as local sub-basin subsidence and areas of uplift (Figure 2.1). Latest Eocene to Early
Oligocene strata are missing (condensed or eroded) over much of the southern basin,
except for a small sub-basin that may be related to the extensional regime prevalent
further to the south.

The tectonic transitional period lasted until the earliest Miocene, at which point
a through-going convergent plate boundary system had formed (Schmidt and
Robinson, 1989; Holt and Stern, 1994; King and Thrasher, 1996; Stagpoole and Nicol,
2008). The eastern margin of Taranaki Basin was now represented by a mobile fold
thrust belt complex, with basement overthrust westwards on the Taranaki Fault (Figure
2.1D & E).
8
 Figure 2.2: The WesternVStableVPlatform and the Eastern Mobile Belt with the Northern
Graben, Central Graben, and Southern Inversion Zone (Webster et al., 2011).

This history of tectonic activity has divided the Taranaki Basin into two main
regions, i.e., the Western Stable Platform and the Eastern Mobile Belt (Figure 2.3). The
Eastern Mobile Belt is deformed as a result of an impact between the Australian Plate
and the Pacific Plate (Strogen et al., 2009). Subsequently, the Western Stable Platform
has been reformed by rifting since the Late Cretaceous (Palmer and Andrews, 1993).
These Structure regions are separated by the Cape Egmont Fault Zone. Later, they are
subdivided into the Southern Inversion Zone, Tarata Thrust Zone, and the Central and
Northern Grabens (King and Thrasher, 1996; Strogen et al., 2009). The Maari Filed is
located in the Southern Inversion Zone (Figure 2.4).

9
Figure 2.3: The location of the Maari Field in the Southern Inversion Zone (Hart, 2001).

10
Figure 2.4: The location of the Maari Field in the Southern Inversion Zone (Hart, 2001).

11
2.2 Stratigraphy of the Taranaki Basin

From the Late Cretaceous, the sedimentation of the Taranaki Basin reflects a
broad transgressive-regressive sea level change (Figure 2.5; Nodder , 1993). The early
phase of the basin development occurred in the Late Cretaceous and was controlled by
extensional faulting and syn-rift deposits associated with the breakup of Gondwana
(King and Thrasher, 1996; Thrasher, 1990). The Late Cretaceous sediment were
deposited in many sub-basins, with a thick sub-basin deposited in the southern Taranaki
Basin. That collected as terrestrial sediments, which were formed by interbedded coal
measures and a sandstone sequence in the Pakawaw Group (King and Thrasher, 1996).
The Pakawaw group is covered by a passive margin which occurred during the
Paleocene and Eocene, as the sea transgressed over the entire region. At that time,
terrestrial to marginal marine sequences were deposited in the Kapani Group (Figure
2.5).

During the Oligocene, the tectonic movement was quiescent and the amount of
clastic rock was reduced to the widespread deposition of the Ngatoro Group (Figure
2.5), where the limestone and calcareous mudstone accumulated throughout the basin
(King and Thrasher, 1996). The deposition of the Ngatoro Group is accompanied by a
major change in the tectonic system in the Taranaki Basin. In the Miocene, the active
compression tectonics increased the effect of the amount of clastic sediments supplied
to the foreland to the west in the Taranaki Fault (King and Thrasher, 1996). As a result
of this compression, the deposition is bathyal mudstone, with a thickness of more than
1000 m, comprising the Manganui Formation (Grain 2008; King and Thrasher, 1996).
The bathyal mudstone is controlled by the Miocene interval. The mudstone is
interrupted by multiple interbedded layers of sandstone and mudstone that form the
turbidite compound of the Moki Formation, Mount Messenger Formation, and the intra-
Manganui sandstone in the Wai-iti Group (Figure 2.5).

In the Mid-Miocene period, the Manaia Fault (Figure 2.3) was active, and the
effect of this fault had up-thrown the Manaia anticline to shelf depths in the area near
the Kupe Field (Figure 2.4; King and Thrasher, 1996). Also, during the Miocene period,
the Cape Egmont Fault Zone (Figure 2.3) was interpreted to have been an active reverse
12
fault that influenced the shape of the basin, the supply of sediments, causing the
distribution of submarine fans.

In the Late Miocene to Pliocene, there was a switch in the direction of the
tectonic activity from compression to extension. This resulted in the Northern and
Central Grabens (Figure 2.3). The extension was accompanied by normal faulting and
extrusion, resulting from the Mohakation Volcanics. This possibly intrusive volcanic
activity migrated southward at this time (King and Thrasher, 1996; Palmer and
Andrews, 1993). During the same period, the Rotokare Group was deposited. The
Rotokare Group developed large clinofoms, known as the Giant Foresets Formation,
which is a prograding wedge of sediment toward the northwest (Beggs, 1990; King and
Thrasher, 1992).

The stratigraphy of the Moki Formation in the Maari Field can be identified
from wells Maui-4 and Moki. The Moki Formation is part of the Miocene Wai-iti
Group, as illustrated in Figure 2.6 (King and Thrasher, 1996). Strogen et al., (2009)
proposed that the formation includes all Middle to Late Miocene sandstone units in the
Taranaki Basin. The replacing of the Mokau Group is also from the Middle to Late
Miocene, but with a different type of deposition (non-marine to shelfal) from the King
Country Basin which is located at east of the Taranaki Basin. Therefore, King and
Thrasher (1996) posited that the Moki Formation consists of only the well-developed
sandstone sequence of the latest Early Miocene to the early Middle Miocene.
Mudstone-dominated rocks that encapsulate the non-marine to shelfal strata formation
outcrop extensively in the King Country Basin, which is the only known isolated
outcrop of the Moki Formation (Kamp et al., 2004).

13
 Figure 2.5: Stratigraphy of the Taranaki Basin (Hart, 2001).

2.3 The petroleum system of the Taranaki Basin

Evidently in a back-arc location along the Mesozoic Gondwana margin, From

the Deepwater Taranaki Basin was formed as a rift basin. Succeeding the cessation of
rifting around 105 Ma, an enormous delta built into the accommodation space created
by the rift system. In Deepwater Taranaki, much of the products of erosion flowed into
a deep marine trough as turbidites. This study emphasis on turbidite highlighted in Moki
and Mount Messenger Formation at Maari-Manaia field.

14
2.3.1 Source rocks

Source rocks refer to any rocks that have the property to generate and drive out
enough hydrocarbons in good quantities to make drilling for oil feasible (Selly, 1997).
The main source rocks in the Taranaki Basin are Upper Cretaceous to Eocene coals and
clay mudstones of the Pakawaw Group, such as the North Cape, Farewell, Rakopi,
Kaimiro, and Manghewa formations (Figure 2.5; Killops et al., 1994). The majority of
Taranaki oil, predominantly waxy crude of around 45° API, has been geochemically
typed from Late Cretaceous to Paleogene coaly source rocks. Paralic facies
accumulated on a broad, landward where extensive coal swamps developed. Rapid
Neogene burial has brought these rocks to depths where they are mature and expelling
both oil and gas today. The coals and carbonaceous mudstone in the basin have an
average total organic carbon (TOC) content of approximately 10% and a hydrogen
index (HI) volume of over 150 mg HC/g.

2.3.2 Reservoir and Seal rocks

In the Taranaki Basin, the petroleum reservoir lies along the Paleocene shoreline
and in the coastal plain sandstone as part of the Farewell Formation (Bradley, 2012).
The younger petroleum reservoir rock was formed during the Miocene Epoch as a slope
channel with basin floor fan deposits (Moki and Mt. Formations). The seal rock
formations of the Taranaki Basin were formed in the Eocene to Oligocene and Lower
Miocene, with maximum flooding siltstone and marls, which form the Turi, Otaraoa,
and Taimana formations. The secondary seals of mudstone occur in the Middle-Upper
Miocene strata in the Mangnaui Formation (King and Thrasher, 1996).

15
Figure 2.6: The petroleum system of the Taranaki Basin (King and Thrasher, 1996).

16
2.4 Geology of Maari-Manaia Fields

The Maari-Manaia Field is currently New Zealand’s largest offshore oilfield.

Discovered by the Moki-1 well in 1983, it is 80 km from shore in the Southern Inversion
Zone. Additional appraisal wells were drilled in 1985, 1998 and 2003, with the final
development decision made in 2005. In 2009, discovery of significant additional oil
accumulations in the adjacent Manaia prospect, originally identified in the 1970s-
drilled Maui-4 well, effectively doubled field reserves. The Maari structure is a north-
south trending closure. The main reservoir is Middle Miocene turbidite sands of the
Moki Formation, with additional accumulations in younger M2A and older Eocene
Kapuni Group sands. The closure was formed by Neogene shortening.

2.4.1 Reservoir Characteristics

Reservoir quality at Maari is moderate, requiring some artificial lift and water
injection for pressure support. Moki Formation sands tested by Maari-1 had porosities
of 15 to 26% and permeabilities of 98 mD. The horizontally-drilled Maari-1A sidetrack
showed that successful production could be achieved from the Moki Formation via
horizontally-completed wells.

2.4.2 Production and Reserves

The Maari-Manaia Field was produced based on evaluated recoverable reserves

of around 50 mmbbl of oil in Moki Formation sands. The effective appraisal well of the
Eocene Mangahewa Formation in the Manaia prospect has added another 50 mmbbl oil
to the reserves. The early production from the Maari-Manaia Field was about 40,000
bopd. Also, on 1st January, 2012, the gross production of the field is 5.91 bcf gas and
5,177 mmbbl oil/condensate. The estimated remaining reserves at were 22.7 mmbbl
oil/condensate on 1st January, 2012 (Uruski, 2008).

2.4.3 Depositional system of the Moki Formation

The Middle to Late Miocene sequence in the Taranaki Basin that contains a
significant amount of sandstone is known as the Moki Formation (Strogen et al., 2009).
The Moki Formation sand (coarse-grained clastic), which was deposited in the basin in
the Clifdenian, is concentrated in the southern and central parts of the basin. The
17
sandstone is dominated by a submarine fan with a thickness of 250-350 m deposited on
the deep basin floor. The increasing coarse size in of the Moki Formation demonstrates
a characteristic of a progradational submarine fan system. The less well-developed
submarine fan system extends as far as the central Taranaki Peninsula and an area
offshore north of the peninsula. The Moki sandstone is present in the eastern portion of
the Taranaki Basin (Figure 2.7).

Figure 2.7: Deposition of the Moki Formation during the Middle

Miocene (Strogen et al., 2009).

18
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter discusses the steps done with detailed methodology that are used
in order to complete this project.

3.2 Project Workflow

In order to evaluate the potential of hydrocarbon resources, the research

methodology had been set. The subsequent flow chart (Figure 3.1) summarizes the
methods to conduct the entire project:

• Importing Seismic Data

• Importing Well Log Data
Data Gathering • Corrections and Adjustment of
\Data Parameters
• Polarity Determination
• Well Correlation
• Well to Seismic Tie
• Structural Interpretation
Prospect Study • Time Map Generation
• Velocity Analysis
• Depth Map Generation
• Attribute Analysis

Volumetric • STOIIP Calculation

Assessment

Figure 3.1: Project’s Flowchart

19
3.3 Data Gathering

The available data for this project are the well log and a 3D Seismic Data. These
two corresponding sources are extensively used in hydrocarbon exploration in order to
map and evaluate the subsurface. Commonly, seismic data produce an almost
continuous view and lateral information to subsurface which able to resolve and display
the structural and stratigraphic changes through the reflection events. However, well
logs data can be exploited to deliver finer vertical resolution of the geology at the
borehole with regards to seismic data. The available data was used for the well to
seismic tie. All the available data will be imported into Petrel software 2013 as it will
be used for both seismic data interpretation and well log analysis.

3.3.1 Seismic Data

The seismic data employed in this study comprise of a three-dimensional
seismic cube in the SEG-Y format. It covers utmost 500 km2 of the Maari 3D Taranaki
Basin, (Figures 3.2). The data were acquired by the Geco-Prakla Company. The Maari
Field consists of 1846 in-lines and 2631 crosslines.

Figure 3.2: Location of the Maari 3D field in southern unit of the Taranaki Basin
(Reilly et al., 2014).

20
 3.3.2 Well Log Data
A total of 7 wireline log data was provided for this project which are the
Maari-1, Maari-1A, Maari-2, Moki-1, Moki-1st, Moki-2, and Moki-2A. A decision
was made on choosing at least two of the well log data to proceed with petrophysical
properties evaluation. A composite well logs data will be generated from the chosen
well which will incorporate the Gamma ray, Resistivity, Spontaneous Potential,
Neutron and Density porosity logs as well as sonic log to be used for the well logs
interpretations and well correlations. Through the analysis of Gamma ray and
Resistivity logs, the lithology contained within the well can be determined. On the
other hand, the hydrocarbon pay zone as well as the fluid content within the formation
can be determined through the utilization of the Resistivity logs.

Table 1: Well data and well logs data availability for the project
Data Availability
Well Name Start Depth (m) End Depth (m) Gamma Neutron
Callipar Density Resistivity SP
Ray Porosity
Maari-1 128.7 2056 / / / / /
Maari-1A 172.4 2082.5 / / / /
Maari-2 127 1315 / / / / / /
Moki-1 129 2085.5 / / / / / /
Moki-2A 122 1676 / / / / /

A decision is made in which two wells namely, Maari-1, and Maari-2 are chosen
to proceed with the studies as their data were comparable and more complete compared
to the other wells. Based on table 1, the Maari-1 well has a start depth of 128.7 meters
and end depth of 2056 meters. Whilst, the Maari-2 start depth is at 127 meters and ends
at 1315 meters.

21
3.4 Prospect Study

There are total of eight main steps to complete prospect identification as

illustrated in the project’s flowchart. However, for this report, only five processes are
illustrated as they have been completed in the first part of FYP. As for the other steps,
they will be further justified in the coming part of FYP II. For this study, all processes
are fully run on Petrel software from the beginning until the final step.

3.4.1 Polarity Determination

Defining polarity type used for seismic is the first step to start geophysics
analysis. There are two polarity convention used worldwide, which are American and
European polarity. Seabed reflector is used for this project to define the polarity. This
is due to its characteristics that will always almost give a positive reflection. Below is
the formula used to calculate two-way-time (TWT) of seabed at wells.

Velocity (m/s) = Depth of seabed (m) / one-way-time, OWT (s)

Seawater velocity = 1500m/s

3.4.2 Well to Seismic Tie

Objectives of Well-to-Seismic Ties:
- Well-to-seismic ties use well data which is in depth, to be compared with
seismic data in time.
- Allows to relate horizon tops identified in a well with specific reflections on
the seismic section.
- Using density and sonic well logs to generate synthetic seismic trace.
Acoustic Impedance (AI) = Density (D) x Velocity (V)
- The synthetic trace is then compared to the real seismic data collected near
the well location.

3.4.3 Well Correlation

Well logs give detailed information at the location of borehole. When there are
more than one well, their stratigraphy can be correlate with one another using well
correlation method. This correlation is based on characteristics of the well log respond
and important part of understanding both regional stratigraphy also field-scale
22
stratigraphy. To remove post-depositional tilting, datum (flatten) the logs from different
wells on what is believed to be a time marker (correlation horizon that is registered to
a common depth).

Gamma ray is used to measure radioactive material in sediments. Shale with

high organic content will show high radioactivity, thus giving high gamma ray reading.
In contrast to sand which contain less organic material, it gives low gamma ray reading.
In the simplest way, this log differs reservoir (low reading) and non-reservoir (high
reading). Moving to resistivity, it is used to measure resistance of formation. Presence
of hydrocarbon will generate high resistivity reading compared to water. Thus, this
method can identify whether the formation is filled with hydrocarbon or water. Lastly
are bulk density log and neutron porosity log. These logs work together to differentiate
oil and gas content with cross-over (butterfly) effect.

3.4.4 Structural Interpretation

3.4.4.1 Fault Picking
As for interpretation, fault picking is the first step which need to be done before
horizon picking. This is to avoid mis-ties as horizons are displaced by faults. By picking
fault, horizon displacement can be clearer viewed on seismic section. In this project,
fault interpretation is done both on inline and crossline for every 10 to 20 seismic
intervals.

3.4.4.2 Horizon Picking

For simplicity purpose, only three horizon are chosen to be interpreted. They are
Horizon 1 (randomly picked), top and bottom of Moki formation. This is done to avoid
time consuming as interpretation might take the longest period among the other tasks.
Horizons are picked based on well top information gathered from well log correlation. This
is due to high accuracy of well data compared to seismic in terms of vertical resolution and
lithology information. Interpretation of horizon is done on every 30 interval with mixture
of technique, such as manual, 2D guided and even paint brush. Below are the results of
horizon picking for this project.

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3.4.5 Time Map Generation
After complete interpretation for both horizon and fault, time map can be
generated. This map will shows the characteristic of the horizon with variable range of
colors to show the contour. Extra info can be included such as the axis, header, info
box, scale bar, North arrow, automatic legend and symbol legend. Faults presence in
the formation can also be displayed in this map.

Here, many information can be extracted for discussion purpose. The fault
trend, direction and analysis can be clearly define. Seal and trap should be examined if
they are closed and good enough to become petroleum system. Quick checking on
prospect area and location can be done to make sure it is in the suitable place.
Furthermore, Quality Control (QC) can be done to check any mis-ties on seismic
section. It can be detected by the presence of “Bull Eye Effect” which indicates crossing
points between inline and crossline interpretation.

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3.5 FYP 1 Gantt Chart
Throughout the first part of final year project, the majority of the tasks completed as planned are shown on the table below. Further
associated processes are to be accomplished in FYP II as the project is still in progress.

Table 2: Gantt chart for FYP I

Week
TASKS / DELIVERABLES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Project Topic Confirmation
Preliminary Research Work
Literature review / Methodology
Data Loading and QC Processing
Well Log Correlation
Proposal Writing
Submission of Extended Proposal
Proposal Defense Presentation *
Well to Seismic Tie
Horizon and Fault Picking
Application and Analysis of Seismic Attribute
Time Map Generation
Submission of Interim Report
Finalizing FYP I *

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3.6 FYP 2 Gantt Chart
Throughout the second part of final year project, the planned tasks are tabulated below according to week number.

Table 3: Gantt chart for FYP II

Week
TASKS / DELIVERABLES
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Cofirmation of Prospect Allocation with SV
Velocity Analysis and Depth Generation
Data Gathering and Volumetric Estimation *
Interpretation and Discussion of Results
Pre-SEDEX Preparation
Pre-SEDEX Presentation *
Submission of Technical Paper *
Submission of Dissertation *
Final Presentation and Viva *
Submission Hard-Bound Copy of Project Dissertation

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3.7 Project Milestones

Several milestones were identified and listed in the table below.

Table 2: Project Milestone

Week Milestone

7 Proposal Defense Presentation

14 Finalizing FYP I

20 Data Gathering and Volumetric Estimation

25 Pre-SEDEX Presentation

26 Submission of Technical Paper

27 Submission of Dissertation

27 Final Presentation and Viva

27
 CHAPTER 4

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Map of Study Area

The study is about prospect mapping of reservoir X, in an offshore Maari-

Manaia field. Mari-Manaia field is located in Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. The
Taranaki Basin was the first sedimentary basin in New Zealand to be explored for
hydrocarbons and is currently New Zealand’s only producing province (Uruski, 2008).
Located predominately offshore, the Taranaki Basin is found on the west coast of the
North Island and covers approximately 330,000 km².

Figure 4.1: Trace map of the study area

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4.2 Base Map
The base map of this study shows the location of the wells in the seismic survey.
The distances covered between Maari-1 and the adjacent wells, Maari-2, Moki-1,
and Moki-2A are 1601m, 2612m, and 4410, respectively. The Maari Field contains
a total of 1676 inline starting from 170 to 1846 and 2252 crosslines beginning with
379 to 2631.

Figure 4.2: Base Map of Maari Field

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4.3 Well Information

For Maari Field, the total number of wells available during the data gathering
process exceeded the seven wells. However, during the checking of the data (QC), there
were only 2 wells fully applicable for interpretation purposes.

Table 4.1: Maari-1 well information

Table 4.2: Maari-2 well information

Well Maari-2
Well Type Exploration Well
Latitude -39.9789551 / 39° 58’ 44.238’’ S
Longitude 173.3020799 / 173° 18’ 9.648’’ E
Status at Completion Plugged and abandoned
Total Drilled Depth 1495
(m AHBRT)
Spud Date 10/01/2003
TD Date 17/01/2003
Onshore/Offshore Offshore
Water Depth 103 m
RT Elevation (m AMSL) 25 m
Formation at TD Moki Formation

30
4.4 Well Correlation

Based on to Pezeshk (1996), geophysical well logs are used to detect the
lithologies of the subsurface formations. The most common geophysical logs used to
delineate subsurface features are resistivity, spontaneous potential (SP), and gamma ray
(GR) logs. In overall, the lowest resistivity is interpreted as silt, clay, and shale. Medium
to high resistivity is marked as sand or gravel with freshwater (Driscoll, 1986). Gamma
ray logs compute the amount of radioactive materials (Pezeshk, 1996). Because shale
consists of highly radioactive materials, shale has a high quantity of gamma rays.
Spontaneous potential (SP) logs measure the natural electric potentials produced by a
physiochemical change at the interface of the subsurface strata.

The wells used for this study are Maari-1, and Maari-2. The well logs of gamma
rays, resistivity, and spontaneous potential are available from the wells. Gamma rays
give either a high or low reading (Figure 4.3), with the high reading from shale or lower
readings from sandstone or limestone. The spontaneous potential logs can be used to
determine the layer lithology. Deflecting to the left means sandstone or limestone, and
to the right indicates shale. The resistivity logs are used to detect the hydrocarbon in
the sandstone layer. If the deflection increases, a hydrocarbon is present. In the Moki
reservoir, limestone and siltstone are interbeded with sandstone. The thickness of the
reservoir in the Moki Formation is between 200 and 350 m.

31
Figure 4.3: Well correlation showing the distribution of lithology for all formations along Maari-1 and Maari-2

32
4.5 Seismic Interpretation
4.5.1 Fault Interpretation

Fault act an important role in the migration and accumulation of the

hydrocarbon. Fault is interpreted at the point of discontinuity of the reflectors which is
displaced at the adjacent fault block. Fault interpretation was done at inline and
crossline respectively with interval of 10. A total of 22 faults were interpreted from
which most of them are located on the western side of the seismic section.

Figure 4.4: Faults Display in 3D view

Figure 4.5: Faults Display in 3D upper view

33
4.5.2 Seismic Interpretation

For this period of the study, one horizon is picked which is the top of the Moki
formation. Horizon interpretation was done at inline 1126 with interval of 20 for both
inline and crossline.

Figure 4.6: Interpreted horizon display in 3D view

Figure 4.7: Interpreted horizon display in 3D upper view

34
4.6 Two-Way Time (TWT) Map

TWT/time map is a continuation of horizon picking in which map is produced based

on the interpreted horizons. The time elevation and contour will be displayed on the map in
the unit of TWT(m/s) since the seismic is interpreted in time domain. This is because, the
seismic interpreted is in the unit of time. In this project, two surface maps are generated
based on two interpreted horizons, top and base sand. Based on the figure, the purple
color shows the deepest part of the area while yellowish color shows the shallowest part
of the area with contour interval of 50ms.The surface maps generated is as follows:

Figure 4.8: TWT map for top of Moki Formation

35
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusions

In conclusion, the history of the Taranaki Basin started in the middle of the
Cretaceous-Paleocene, which was dominated by extensional tectonics (Crowhurst et
al., 2002). Rapid and sometimes fault-controlled subsidence occurred during this period
of time. The architecture and most structures in the basin were formed during the
Neogene. In the southern portion, where the Maari Field is located, there are many
different structures, such as normal and reverse faults.

A three-dimensional seismic integrated with well log data is used to interpret

the architecture of the Miocene period Moki Formation in the Maari Field. The main
reservoir in the Maari Field is the Moki reservoir, which consists of sandstone. The
sandstone in the formation is interbedded with a thin layer of siltstone and claystone.
The Moki Formation is the most important formation in the Maari Field for producing
oil. The source rock of the Taranaki Basin is upper Late Cretaceous, that consists of
coals and clay mudstone of the Rakopi groups. The wells producing oil from the Moki
reservoir are Moki, Maari-1, and Maari-2.

The project has reached the criterion of estimating the volumetric of Moki reservoir.
However, the petroleum system elements in Moki reservoir is yet to be attained. Further
analysis will be done on Maari field.

36
5.2 Recommendations

It is recommended to do more geophysical studies on the seismic interpretations

by using another software to compare with the existing results. Several suggestions
include performing sequence stratigraphy analysis on the field by looking at both the
well logs data and also the seismic data. Last but not least, it is also suggested to conduct
the study at the nearby area by 2-3 km to enhance the interpretation and correlations
purpose.

37
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