Date of Award
8-2009
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. Michelle Kominz
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Duane Hampton
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
Silurian (Niagaran) reefs are significant hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Michigan Basin, having produced nearly 470 MMBO and 2.75 trillion cubic feet of gas. Detailed facies analysis of the Belle River Mills Silurian reef indicates that a correlation may exist between depositional facies and permeability values. Sequence stratigraphic analysis conducted on cores revealed 3 fourth-order high frequency sequences, seen consistently throughout the reef. Schlumberger's Petrel modeling software was used to generate 3-D facies and petrophysical models as a means of enhancing the understanding, and possible controlling mechanisms, of reservoir property distribution in the BRM reef.
Results reveal a well-developed windward geometry at the east/southeast margin of the reservoir, with an increase in porosity and permeability distribution along the eastern section of the reef. Identification of the sequence stratigraphic framework and correlations between detailed facies and reservoir quality can enhance primary and secondary production in these reservoirs by increasing the visualization and understanding of the reservoir's internal architecture.
Recommended Citation
Qualman, Heather K., "3-D Interpretation of the Reservoir Property Distribution in the Belle River Mills Silurian (Niagaran) Reef, St. Clair County, MI" (2009). Masters Theses. 258.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/258