Deepwater Sedimentary Systems

Science, Discovery, and Applications

1st Edition - August 17, 2022
Editors: Jon R. Rotzien, Cindy A. Yeilding, Richard A. Sears, F. Javier Hernández-Molina, Octavian Catuneanu
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 1 9 1 8 - 0
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 1 9 2 1 - 0

Deepwater Sedimentary Systems: Science, Discovery and Applications helps readers identify, understand and interpret deepwater sedimentary systems at various scales – both onshore a… Read more

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Deepwater Sedimentary Systems: Science, Discovery and Applications helps readers identify, understand and interpret deepwater sedimentary systems at various scales – both onshore and offshore. This book describes the best practices in the integration of geology, geophysics, engineering, technology and economics used to inform smart business decisions in these diverse environments. It draws on technical results gained from deepwater exploration and production drilling campaigns and global field analog studies. With the multi-decadal resilience of deepwater exploration and production and the nature of its inherent uncertainty, this book serves as the essential reference for companies, consultancies, universities, governments and deepwater practitioners around the world seeking to understand deepwater systems and how to explore for and produce resources in these frontier environments.

From an academic perspective, readers will use this book as the primer for understanding the processes, deposits and sedimentary environments in deep water – from deep oceans to deep lakes. This book provides conceptual approaches and state-of-the-art information on deepwater systems, as well as scenarios for the next 100 years of human-led exploration and development in deepwater, offshore environments. The students taught this material in today’s classrooms will become the leaders of tomorrow in Earth’s deepwater frontier.

This book provides a broad foundation in deepwater sedimentary systems. What may take an individual dozens of academic and professional courses to achieve an understanding in these systems is provided here in one book.

Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
Contributors
Preface
Why deepwater?
References
Frontispiece
Chapter 1: Introduction to deepwater sedimentary systems
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Defining deepwater systems
History of study of deepwater sedimentary systems
Regional controls on deepwater sedimentation
Challenges with terminology
Basic architectural elements and definitions
Oil and gas exploration and development
Mapping and interpreting deepwater sedimentary systems
The exploration common process
Engineering principles for deepwater petroleum exploration and production
Economics of deepwater exploration and production
Key Messages
Conclusions
References
Chapter 2: Source rocks and petroleum systems in deepwater plays
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Petroleum systems sub-element Charge: Source potential
Petroleum systems sub-element Charge: Access
Petroleum systems sub-element Trap: Geometry
Petroleum systems sub-element Trap: Column capacity
Petroleum systems sub-element Reservoir: Storage
Petroleum systems sub-element Reservoir: Deliverability
Key messages on in-reservoir petroleum fluid processes and properties
Conclusion
References
Chapter 3: Crustal structure and tectonostratigraphy of rifted-passive margins with applications for hydrocarbon exploration
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Types and crustal structure of rifted passive margins
Applications of knowledge of crustal structure and tectonostratigraphy of rifted-passive margins to hydrocarbon exploration
Conclusions
References
Chapter 4: Deepwater passive margin foldbelts
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Previous studies of passive margin foldbelts: Main findings and implications
Examples of passive margin foldbelts in the Gulf of Mexico
Examples of passive margin foldbelts on the Atlantic margin of South America
Examples of passive margin foldbelts along West Africa
Examples of passive margin foldbelts along East Africa
Discussion
Key messages
Conclusion: Areas of future work for passive margin foldbelts
References
Chapter 5: Salt tectonics in deepwater settings
Abstract
Introduction
Controls on salt deposition in deepwater
Structural elements of deepwater salt systems
Key messages on the regional geology of deepwater salt systems
Conclusions and future directions
References
Chapter 6: Deepwater sedimentary processes
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Sedimentary processes
Using processes to predict deposits
Sedimentation mechanics
Linking process to deposit
Key messages
Conclusions
References
Chapter 7: Deepwater sedimentation units
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Sedimentation units
Turbidity current deposits
Shallow-marine influenced turbidites
Hybrid event beds, slurry beds and transitional flow deposits
Summary
Debris flow deposits
Bottom current influenced turbidites, contourites and reworked beds
Pelagic and hemipelagic deposits
Mass transport deposits
Summary of deepwater deposits
Lithofacies
Key messages
Conclusions
References
Chapter 8: Deepwater depositional environments
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Deepwater systems by tectonic setting
Slope profiles
Shelf systems: Supply to deepwater environments
Deepwater depositional environments
Contourite and mixed systems
Additional considerations
Advances in modeling depositional environments
Key messages
Conclusions
How are deltas different from submarine fans?
References
Chapter 9: Contourites and mixed depositional systems: A paradigm for deepwater sedimentary environments
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Along-slope oceanographic processes
Identification and characterization of contourite depositional systems in the seismic record: Morphological elements and associated seismic facies
Mixed (turbidite-contourite) depositional systems: Their recognition in the seismic record
Deposits and sedimentary facies model
Identifying contourites and mixed systems along active continental margins and within active tectonic settings
Control factors
Implications
Key messages
Conclusions and final considerations
References
Chapter 10: Mass transport processes, injectites and styles of sediment remobilization
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Data and methods
Classifying sediment remobilization using seismic and outcrop data
Sediment remobilization as an overarching physical process
Sediment remobilization as a geohazard in submarine environments
Sediment remobilization due to fluid flow and subsurface overpressure
Economic and societal relevance of sediment-remobilization processes
Key messages: Outcrop examples from Crete, New Zealand and Paraná
Concluding remarks
References
Chapter 11: Source-to-sink analysis of deepwater systems: Principles, applications and case studies
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
What is source-to-sink analysis?
Fundamental techniques, tools and data
Building, testing and calibrating S2S models
Key messages on case studies and practical applications
Conclusion
References
Chapter 12: Sequence stratigraphy of deepwater systems
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Controls on stratigraphic cyclicity
Stratigraphic versus sedimentological cycles
Sequence stratigraphic framework
Sequences in fine-grained successions
Stratigraphic scales in the deepwater setting
Discussion and key messages
Conclusions
References
Chapter 13: Reservoir quality and diagenesis of deepwater sandstones
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Characterizing sandstone reservoir quality
Depositional texture and composition
Compaction
Cementation, replacement and dissolution
Assessing reservoir quality risk factors
Key messages
Future directions
Conclusions
References
Chapter 14: Applied paleontology in exploration and development
Abstract
Introduction
Logistics and methodologies
Applied biostratigraphy
Chronostratigraphy and geochronology
Biostratigraphic sequences
Applications for deepwater exploration
Deepwater ecology and depositional setting
Applications for deepwater reservoir development
Key messages on mud in the reservoir model
Conclusions and future outlook
References
Chapter 15: Deepwater ichnology: New observations on contourites
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Deepwater ichnology
Contourites and ichnology: Significant recent advances
Trace fossil assemblages in contourites
Archetypal ichnofacies in contourites: A complex relationship
Paleoenvironmental conditions during bottom currents: The role of energy in the tracemaker community
Modern examples: A bridge to interpret the ancient contourite record
New techniques to advance in the ichnological analysis of contourites
Bioturbation and petrophysical properties in contourites: Economic interest
Key messages
Conclusions
References
Chapter 16: Imaging and interpretation: Seismic, rock physics and image log analysis workflows for deepwater systems
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Seismic interpretation of deepwater depositional system on the North Slope, Alaska, USA
Quantitative interpretation of a North Sea turbidite system using rock physics
Role of dipmeters and imaging devices in evaluating deepwater sedimentary intervals
Conclusion
References
Chapter 17: Seismic rock physics and machine learning for deepwater stratigraphic intervals
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
The rock physics link between geology and geophysics
Seismic lithofacies in deepwater clastic systems
Rock physics templates for quantitative interpretation of deepwater clastic systems
Statistical rock physics and machine-learning for quantitative seismic interpretation
Deep learning facies classification: Nile Delta case study
Key messages
Conclusions
References
Further reading
Chapter 18: Integrating forward stratigraphic modeling with basin and petroleum system modeling
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
History of forward stratigraphic modeling and basin and petroleum system modeling
Forward stratigraphic and basin and petroleum system modeling
Integrating basin modeling and forward stratigraphic modeling
Key messages on the future of coupled forward stratigraphic and basin and petroleum system models
Conclusions
References
Chapter 19: Technical (engineering) advancements enabling deepwater exploration and production
Abstract
Introduction
Case study 1—High rate/high ultimate wells
Case study 2—Deepwater Gulf of Mexico structures and infrastructure planning
Case study 3—Flow assurance, pipelines, flowlines and risers
Case study 4—“Doing More with Less” stepping into the data and information age
Continuously evolving and emerging technology
Key messages
Conclusion
References
Chapter 20: Economic considerations and market condition effects in deepwater
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Overview—Key economic drivers, market conditions, risk vs reward
The physical environment
The economic environment
Pre-wildcat exploration
Prospect maturation and associated costs
The political and regulatory environment
Key messages
Conclusion
Appendix: Supplementary material
Appendix: Supplementary material
References
Further reading
Chapter 21: Deepwater sedimentary systems: The next 100 years of deepwater
Abstract
Acknowledgments
Introduction and objectives
Context
Future resource scenarios
Vision for future deepwater and the impact of marine geological processes
Conclusions
Appendix
References
Glossary
Index

Jon R. Rotzien

Jon Rotzien is President of Basin Dynamics and Adjunct Professor at University of Houston. He specializes in reservoir presence and quality forecasting in conventional and unconventional drilling programs on all oil-producing continents. Prior to his present posts, he served BP and other supermajor and independent operators in a variety of basins and petroleum reservoir technical training programs. As a business owner and scientist, Rotzien has participated in oil and gas exploratory to development drilling, mapping expeditions, technical competency training and consulting and has served as lead geologist in about one-third of those ventures. He is currently serving as Chair of the Houston Explorers Club. Rotzien received a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from Stanford University and a B.A. degree in Geology from Colorado College.

Affiliations and expertise

Basin Dynamics, LLC, and University of Houston Houston, TX, USA

Cindy A. Yeilding

Cindy A. Yeilding served as a leader and technical expert at bp for more than 35 years, most recently as Senior Vice President of BP America, prior to her retirement in 2020. In this role she held numerous positions, including Chair of the coordinating subcommittee of the U.S. National Petroleum Council’s Carbon Capture, Use, and Storage study, bp's Executive Sponsor for Princeton University and as Board Member and Executive Committee member of the Greater Houston Partnership. Previous roles in bp include Vice President, Exploration and Appraisal- Gulf of Mexico; Vice President- Global Basin Analysis and Global R&D Manager. As an exploration and research scientist, Cindy has developed and led geological courses, published technical papers, participated on panels and delivered numerous technical, leadership and keynote presentations for technical societies, universities and leadership. Ms. Yeilding currently serves as the Board Chair of the Offshore Technology Conference and serves as a Director on the boards of Denbury Inc. and the Center for Houston’s Future. Ms. Yeilding has a Bachelors of Science degree in Geology from Southern Methodist University and a Masters of Science degree in Geology from the University of North Carolina. Additionally, Ms. Yeilding was a founding member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Women’s Committee and conceived of and initiated the Women’s Networking program (WISE) and the OTC High School Energy Challenge at the Offshore Technology Conference. Ms. Yeilding has been recognized as a leader and a scientist across the energy industry, including receiving the AAPG Pioneer Award and being recognized as one of Hart Energy’s “25 Most Influential Women in Energy” and the Houston Business Journal's "Women of Influence."

Affiliations and expertise

Board of Directors, Denbury Inc., Texas, USA; Board of Directors, Center for Houston's Future, Texas, USA; Board Chair, Offshore Technology Conference, Texas, USA

Richard A. Sears

Richard A. Sears is Adjunct Professor in the Department of Energy Resources Engineering at Stanford University. He began his career as a geophysicist with Shell Oil Company in 1976. During his 33 years with Shell Oil Co. and Royal Dutch Shell, he held technical and managerial positions including exploration geophysicist, technical instructor, economist, strategic advisor and planner, and general management. He spent seven years as Vice President, Global Subsurface Deepwater Technical Services. He was Chief Scientist of the National Oil Spill Commission and is a co-author of the Commission’s Chief Counsel’s Report which details the technical and managerial failures leading to the Deepwater Horizon blowout and spill, and has served on several committees through the National Academy of Engineering, advising the US Government on safety in offshore energy operations. He received his BS in physics and MS in geophysics from Stanford University, is a licensed Professional Geoscientist, and is a National Associate of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine.

Affiliations and expertise

Adjunct Professor, Department of Energy Resources Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA

F. Javier Hernández-Molina

Dr. Hernández-Molina is currently Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL). He is a specialist in sedimentary processes, seismic stratigraphy and basin analysis, and is experienced in core description and sediment structures identification. His research focuses on deep-marine sedimentation and the influence of bottom-current circulation along continental margins as well as the study of contourites and hybrid depositional systems in both low latitude (e.g. Gulf of Cadiz) and high latitude (e.g. Antarctica). He has participated in 67 national and international research projects in marine geology and geophysics. He has worked on different continental margins, and has particular expertise on the continental margin of the Gulf of Cadiz, South Atlantic and Antarctica, where he has been involved in many oceanographic national and international cruises and research projects.

Affiliations and expertise

Professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London, UK

Octavian Catuneanu

Octavian Catuneanu is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta, with PhD degrees from the University of Toronto and the University of Bucharest. He is the recipient of several distinctions in the field of Geology, including the W.W. Hutchison Medal of the Geological Association of Canada for exceptional advances in earth science research, and best paper awards from the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, the Geological Society of America, and the Romanian Academy of Sciences. Octavian Catuneanu served as the Editor-in-Chief of the journal of Marine and Petroleum Geology, Chair of the Task Group on Sequence Stratigraphy of the International Subcommission on Stratigraphic Classification, Chair of the North American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature, and member of the editorial board of several journals in North America, Europe, and Africa. He is the editor of several books and special issues, author of numerous publications in the fields of sedimentology, stratigraphy, and basin analysis, and instructor of sequence stratigraphy and related disciplines for universities, conferences, and companies worldwide. The first edition of his “Principles of Sequence Stratigraphy” textbook (Elsevier, 2006) received the 2007 “Outstanding Academic Title” Choice Award from the American Library Association and remains a best-selling title.

Affiliations and expertise

Professor, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada