Sequence Stratigraphy of a Giant Middle East Oil Field – Integration of Core, Log and Seismic Data
Authors: Lawrence D. A. , Al Ali M. H. , Vahrenkamp V. , Al Shekaili F. , Yin Y. , El Wazir Z. , Ribeiro M. T. , Mueller K. , Al Madani N. 
Published: February 2011

A super-giant carbonate field in Abu Dhabi has most of its remaining reserves in carbonate build-up and prograding basin-margin deposits of Lower Cretaceous age (Shuaiba Formation). To guide further field production, a sequence stratigraphic framework was developed based on integration of core, log and seismic data. This framework is the cornerstone for building a new reservoir model and provides the key for a better understanding of facies and flow unit continuity guiding present and future field production and performance.

Approximately 730 wells, wireline logs and the latest core descriptions were integrated for this study. Another key element was the incorporation of 3D seismic data coupled with several iterations between well log and seismic picking. Detailed seismic interpretation led to the delineation of 3rd and 4th order sequences. The picking of higher order sequences was based on well data guided by the seismic surfaces. This study provides an excellent example of extracting maximum information from seismic and the full integration of geoscience and production data to provide a new 3D framework.

The sequence framework uses a consistent nomenclature based on the Arabian Plate Standard Sequence framework for the Aptian (van Buchem et. al., 2010). The Shuaiba is subdivided into six 3rd order sequences (Apt 1, 2, 3,4a, 4b, and 5) which, based on stacking patterns, record a complete 2nd order cycle of Transgressive, Highstand, and Late Highstand systems tracts (Apt 1–4b). The Bab Member (Apt 5) and Nahr Umr Shale form the Lowstand to Transgressive systems tracts of the next Super-sequence.

The third order Apt 1 sequence and the Apt 2 TST form the 2nd order transgressive systems tract, characterized by back-stepping and creation of differential relief between the Shuaiba shelf and Bab intra-shelf basin. These sequences are dominated by Orbitolina and algal/microbial Lithocodium/Bacinella fossil associations.

The Apt 2 HST and Apt 3 Sequence form the 2nd order early highstand systems tract during which the platform area aggraded and the topographic split into platform, slope and basin became most pronounced. Sediments are extremely heterogeneous and varying properties introduce significant problems in understanding fluid flow. During the regressive part of the Apt 3 sequence accommodation space was limited and deposition switched to progradation at the platform margin. The platform top is characterized by thin cycles of rudist floatstones/rudstones separated by thin cemented flooding and exposure horizons, whilst the platform margin received large quantities of rudstones, grain and packstones organized in clinoform sets. Clinoforms are separated by thin stylolitic cemented layers, which are transparent on seismic.

The Second Order late highstand systems tract is composed of 3rd order cycles Apt 4a and Apt 4b. These are detached from the main buildup, which probably stayed largely exposed, and form strongly prograding slope margin wedges composed of alternating dense mudstones (TST) and grainstone/packstone sequences with coarse grained top-sets which formed during highstand phases. Lowstand deposits of the Apt 5 cycle (Bab Member) are dominated by fine-grained siliciclastics capped by thin oolitic carbonate facies which are isolated from the main part of the field and are not hydrocarbon charged.