Physiographic setting and deep-seated structures often control the occurrence and distribution of conventional and unconventional carbonate plays in Phanerozoic carbonate sequences. Physiographic setting at the global scale is position relative to the paleoequator (determines tropical/subtropical setting and trade wind influences) but at the local scale it is the sea floor bottom topography (ramp versus platform). Deep-seated structures not only initiate pre-depositional topography and aid later entrapment of hydrocarbons, but often drive the diagenesis and porosity evolution of a carbonate sequence.
Course Structure: 2 sessions of 6 hours each, delivered over 2 days Each session includes several breaks and will allow time for questions and discussions.
By the end of the course you will feel confident in your understanding of:
Key controls on the occurrence and distribution of both conventional and unconventional plays during the Phanerozoic
The importance of physiographic setting at both global and local scale, and the importance of orientation with respect to easterly trade winds in tropical and subtropical settings
The potential for deep-seated wrench or strike slip faults to create favorable diagenesis and porosity evolution of Phanerozoic carbonate sequences
Topics
Brief review of distinctive aspects of carbonates, as well as grain types and classification schemes for textures and porosity
Review of carbonate diagenesis in limestones and dolostones, as it relates to the evolution of porosity and permeability in carbonate plays
Review of carbonate depositional facies types and models of deposition
Synthesis of stratigraphic relationships in carbonates as it pertains to carbonate plays
In-depth discussion of typical Phanerozoic conventional and unconventional carbonate plays, using analog case studies to demonstrate the influence of physiographic setting, structural setting, and stratigraphic age