Seismic-petrophysical reservoir characterization in the northern part of the Chicontepec Basin, Mexico

Abstract

The Chicontepec Formation in east-central Mexico is comprised of complex unconventional reservoirs consisting of low-permeability disconnected turbidite reservoir facies. Hydraulic fracturing increases permeability and joins these otherwise tight reservoirs. We use a recently acquired 3D seismic survey and well control to divide the Chicontepec reservoir interval in the northern part of the basin into five stratigraphic units, equivalent to global third-order seismic sequences. By combining well-log and core information with principles of seismic geomorphology, we are able to map deepwater facies within these stratigraphic units that resulted from the complex interaction of flows from different directions. Correlating these stratigraphic units to producing and nonproducing wells provides the link between rock properties and Chicontepec reservoirs that could be delineated from surface seismic data. The final product is a prestack inversion-driven map of stacked pay that correlates to currently producing wells and indicates potential untapped targets.