Date of Award
12-2012
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. Robb Gillespie
Keywords
Leonardian, turbidites, MTDs, architecture, borehole
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Characterization of reservoir scale (less than 1 meter thick) turbidites and mass-transport deposits (MTDs) using conventional subsurface data is complex, due to millimeter-centimeter scale architectural heterogeneity exhibited by these deposits.
Limited studies of the Bone Spring carbonate turbidites and MTDs within the Delaware Basin subsurface emphasized the use of conventional wire-line log and seismic data to evaluate reservoir potential of such strata. As a result, limited resolution offered by these data sets do not allow for accurate characterization of reservoir, and sub-reservoir scale, architectural and compositional variations.
The present investigation integrates high-resolution (centimeter scale) electrical borehole image logs with conventional subsurface data as a means to: 1) enhance recognition of reservoir scale carbonate turbidites and MTDs and evaluate stratigraphic cyclicity of these deposits within the UBSL, and 2) provide detailed analysis of architectural attributes characterizing turbidite and MTD facies.
Results indicate that integrating electrical borehole image logs with conventional data improves recognition and characterization of sub-reservoir scale UBSL carbonate turbidites and MTDs, and enhances current understanding of basin-centered depositional processes occurring during the Late Leonardian.
Recommended Citation
Asmus, Jason J., "Characterizing the Internal Architecture of Upper Bone Spring Limestone Turbidites and Mass-Transport Deposits (MTDs) Utilizing High-Resolution Image Log Technology" (2012). Masters Theses. 95.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/95