What Is Seismic Facies Analysis?

Input: Seismic Data (2D or 3D)

Seismic Stratigraphic Analysis
– Define key stratigraphic intervals
• Seismic Sequence Analysis

– Determine the rock types within each interval

• Seismic Facies Analysis

Product: Prediction of Rock Types

– Sand within reservoir intervals
– Shale in overlying seal intervals & source intervals

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Definitions

• Seismic Facies Unit

– a mappable, three dimensional seismic unit
composed of groups of reflections whose
parameters differ from those of adjacent facies
units.
• Seismic Facies Analysis
– the description and geologic interpretation
(environmental setting, lithofacies, etc.) of seismic
reflection parameters.
Mitchum et al., 1977a

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Reflection Features Used in Mapping

Feature Significance
Seismic • Impedance Contrasts
Amplitude (significant stratal surfaces)
• Bed Spacing / Tuning
• Fluid Content

Reflection • Depositional Processes

Geometry

Reflection • Lateral Stratal Continuity

Continuity • Depositional Processes

Wavelet • Bed Thickness

Frequency • Fluid Content

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Seismic Facies Analysis

Seismic Sequence Analysis Mitchum et al., 1977b

Key Stratigraphic Units AAPG©1977reprinted with permission of the AAPG
whose permission is required for further use.
Are Broken Out

Seismic Facies Analysis

Geometric Relations Other Seismic Features

are Captured through are Extracted as
ABC Mapping Seismic Attributes

Carb.
Interpretation/Prediction Slope Shelf
Edge
• Patterns are used to Interpret EODs Reef Carbonate
• Lithologies / stacking are predicted Shelf

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Posting Geometric Observation

The ABC Method

Tr = Truncation On = Onlap

A - B
Tp = Toplap Dn = Downlap
C = Concordant C = Concordant

C
p = parallel m = mounded ob = oblique progradation
sub = subparallel w = wavy sig = sigmoid progradation
div = divergent rf = reflection free sh = shingled

A = Termination Pattern at the Upper Sequence Boundary

B = Termination Pattern at the Lower Sequence Boundary
C = Internal Reflection Pattern
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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Internal Reflection Patterns

Stratified Unstratified

Simple Progradational Complex

• Parallel • Sigmoid • Mounded • Chaotic

• Subparallel • Oblique • Hummocky • Reflection
• Divergent • Combination • Deformed Free
• Shingled

For examples, see AAPG Memoir 26

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Simple Stratified Internal Configurations

Parallel - Even
Stratified

Simple Progradational Complex

Subparallel Divergent

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Progradational Internal Configurations

Shingled
Stratified

Simple Progradational Complex

Sigmoid Oblique

Upbuilding (Aggradation) Outbuilding

(Progradation)

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Complex Internal Configurations
Mounded

Stratified

Simple Progradational Complex

Hummocky Deformed

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
The Classic Method - An Example

C -On T -C T -Dn C -Dn C -C

P Ob Ob P P

Line B

Each Line is Subdivided into Seismic Facies Units

where Each Unit Differs from its Neighbors
Here Facies Units are based on Reflection Geometries

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
ABC Codes Posted on a Map

Line A
C -C
P
10
Line B
10 20 30 40 50
C -On T -C T -Dn C -Dn C -C
P Ob Ob P P
20

T -C
Div

Line C 30

10 20 30 40 50
C -On T -C T -Dn C -Dn C -C
P Ob Ob P P
40

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Facies Synthesis

Line A
C -C
P
10
Line B
10 20 30 40 50
C -On T -C T -Dn C -Dn C -C
P Ob 20 Ob P P
Wedge
T -C
Div Zone of
Line C 30Progradation Sheet
10 20 30 40 50
C -On T -C T -Dn C -Dn C -C
P Ob Ob P P
40

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Depositional Environments

Line A
10
Line B
10 20 30 40 50

Non-Marine 20
Marginal
Marine Slope
Line C 30 Basin
10 20 30 40 50

40

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Inferred Lithology - Prediction

Facies Model Prediction

Crevasse Splay
Sea Level
Channel Fill
Proximal
Distributary
Mouth Bar

Delta Front Sandstone Distal

Distributary
Delta Front Siltstone Mouth Bar
Pro-Delta Shales
Delta Front
Offshore Clay
Prodelta

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Time for Another Exercise

Woodbine: Onshore East Texas

Line 1a
Line 1

OTC©1979 reprinted with permission of the OTC

Ramsayer, 1979
whose permission is required for further use.

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Line 1
Well C Well D

OTC©1979 reprinted with permission of the OTC Ramsayer, 1979

whose permission is required for further use.

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
ABC-Coded Map

Well C

Well D

OTC©1979 reprinted with permission of the OTC Ramsayer, 1979

whose permission is required for further use.

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
ABC Synthesis

Well C

Well D

OTC©1979 reprinted with permission of the OTC Ramsayer, 1979

whose permission is required for further use.

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis
Interpreted Depositional Environments

OTC©1979 reprinted with permission of the OTC Ramsayer, 1979

whose permission is required for further use.

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L 11 – Stratigraphic Analysis