Sequence Stratigraphy: An Applied Workshop

OBJECTIVES

This workshop presents the concepts and practical applications of sequence stratigraphy for petroleum exploration and production. All concepts are illustrated with field examples of seismic, well-log, core, and outcrop data. In-class exercises emphasize the recognition of sequence stratigraphic surfaces and systems tracts on well-log cross-sections, seismic lines, and outcrop profiles. The points of agreement and difference between the various sequence stratigraphic approaches (models) are discussed, and guidelines are provided for a standardized process-based workflow of sequence stratigraphic analysis. This enables the practitioner to eliminate nomenclatural or methodological confusions, and apply sequence stratigraphy effectively for facies predictions in exploration and production.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Geologists, geophysicists and reservoir engineers who want to learn the method of sequence (and seismic) stratigraphy for correlation, facies prediction, and the delineation of stratigraphic trap

COURSE OUTLINE

DAY 1

Sequence Stratigraphy—an Overview
Sequence Stratigraphy in the Context of Interdisciplinary Research
Sequence Stratigraphy—A Revolution in Sedimentary Geology
Historical Development of Sequence Stratigraphy
Eustatic vs. Tectonic Controls on Sedimentation
Concept of Scale
Sequence Stratigraphy vs. Lithostratigraphy

METHODS OF SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

Facies Analysis: Outcrops, Core, and Modern Analogues
Classification of Depositional Environments
Well Logs
Seismic Data
Workflow of Sequence Stratigraphic Analysis

Step 1: Tectonic Setting (Type of Sedimentary Basin

− Step 2: Paleodepositional Environments

Step 3: Sequence Stratigraphic Framework

DAY 2

ACCOMMODATION AND SHORELINE SHIFTS

Allogenic Controls on Sedimentation
Signatures of Allogenic Controls
Relative Importance of Allogenic Controls
Sediment Supply vs. Environmental Energy Flux
Sediment Accommodation
Definitions: Accommodation, Base Level, and Fluvial Graded Profiles
Proxies for Base Level and Accommodation
Shoreline Trajectories

− Transgressions

− Forced Regressions

− Normal Regressions

STRATIGRAPHIC SURFACES

Types of Stratal Terminations
Sequence Stratigraphic Surfaces

− Subaerial Unconformity

− Correlative Conformity

− Basal Surface of Forced Regression

− Regressive Surface of Marine Erosion

− Maximum Regressive Surface

− Maximum Flooding Surface

− Transgressive Ravinement Surfaces

− Wave-Ravinement Surface

− Tidal-Ravinement Surface

Within-Trend Facies Contacts

− Within-trend Normal Regressive Surface

− Within-trend Forced Regressive Surface

− Within-trend Flooding Surface

DAY 3

SYSTEMS TRACTS

Highstand Systems Tract