Date of Award
12-2008
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Geological and Environmental Sciences
First Advisor
Dr. G. Michael Grammer
Second Advisor
Dr. William B. Harrison III,
Third Advisor
Dr. Rob Gillespie
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
Detailed sequence stratigraphic analysis of Silurian (Niagaran) pinnacle reefs in the Michigan Basin provides insight into lateral and vertical variability of reservoir facies observed in the subsurface. Detailed core and wireline log analysis show that reefs consist of at least two orders of cyclicity. This sequence hierarchy is manifested by 3rd order sequences (10's of meters thick) controlled by globally recognized sea level changes, and 4th order high-frequency sequences (few meters thick) driven by relative sea level variations. Local changes in relative sea level are likely controlled by higher frequency eustatic variations along with subsidence and autocyclic mechanisms related to reef growth. Facies close to 3rd order boundaries have higher porosity and permeability due to preferential dissolution and porosity enhancement associated with well-developed exposures. In contrast, facies close to 4th order HFS boundaries have lower porosity and permeability due to early cementation and porosity occlusion. Understanding of the sequence hierarchy provides additional insight into the episodic growth of reefs relative to sea level fluctuations, and better explains, and predicts, vertical heterogeneity observed in these carbonate reservoirs.
Recommended Citation
Ritter, Audrey L., "Evaluating The Controls on Reservoir Heterogeneity of Silurian Pinnacle Reefs, Michigan Basin" (2008). Masters Theses. 205.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/205