Deepwater Sedimentary Systems

Deepwater Sedimentary Systems

Science, Discovery, and Applications

1st Edition - August 17, 2022

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  • Editors: Jon Rotzien, Cindy Yeilding, Richard Sears, F. Javier Hernández-Molina, Octavian Catuneanu
  • eBook ISBN: 9780323919210
  • Paperback ISBN: 9780323919180

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Description

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.

Key Features

  • Presents a holistic view of how subsurface and engineering processes work together in the energy industry, bringing together contributions from the various technical and engineering disciplines
  • Provides diverse perspectives from a global authorship to create an accurate picture of the process of deepwater exploration and production around the world
  • Helps readers understand how to interpret deepwater systems at various scales to inform smart business decisions, with a significant portion of the workflows derived from the upstream energy industry

Readership

Energy Industry; Oil and Gas Industry; researchers; geologists, marine geologists, geophysicists, engineers, oceanographers, environmental geologists, research professionals, students, government workers and deep water practitioners

Table of Contents

  • 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

Product details

  • No. of pages: 806
  • Language: English
  • Copyright: © Elsevier 2022
  • Published: August 17, 2022
  • Imprint: Elsevier
  • eBook ISBN: 9780323919210
  • Paperback ISBN: 9780323919180

About the Editors

Jon 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 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 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
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

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  • Ethel M. Fri Nov 11 2022

    Deepwater Sedimentary Systems

    It is an excellent update of knowledge, with application on different scales.