N329 Improved Models for Exploration and Production Scale Heterogeneity on Isolated Carbonate Platforms: Crooked-Acklins Platform (Southern Bahamas)
N329 Improved Models for Exploration and Production Scale Heterogeneity on Isolated Carbonate Platforms: Crooked-Acklins Platform (Southern Bahamas)
This field seminar explores carbonate sedimentation, stratigraphy and early diagenesis by examination of Pleistocene and Holocene carbonates of the Crooked-Acklins Platform, southern Bahamas. Participants will make field observations in terms of potential fluid storage and movement (porosity and permeability), reservoir and barrier continuity (compartmentalization) and recovery potential (oil-water relative permeability, connectivity). These will provide useful knowledge for assessment of subsurface carbonate reservoirs.
A six-day field course (1 day in the classroom, 5 days in the field). The modern carbonate system will be examined by boat, and will include sampling and snorkeling over specific facies belts representing different depositional conditions. Pleistocene deposits will be examined at outcrop. Evening sessions will review the day’s stops and make comparison to ancient carbonate depositional settings around the world. Participants are encouraged to bring examples they may be working on.
Participants will learn to:
The Crooked-Acklins Platform (CAP) is an ideal location for learning many fundamentals of carbonate sedimentary systems. Located between the Great Bahama Bank and the Caicos Platform, the CAP includes all of the “classic” Holocene environments of both areas, including both wave- and tide- influenced sedimentary systems. Importantly, these different environments all occur in close proximity, such that long boat rides are not necessary to see the entire spectrum of environments. Instead, participants focus on observing, discussing, and learning.
Each part of this system has been systematically studied, and participants will be exposed to novel data and new insights regarding sedimentary patterns and fundamental controls, including waves, tides, and geochemical and biological factors. Different Holocene environments that participants examine include:
Likewise, outstanding exposures of Pleistocene strata we will visit include:
In general, study of the Holocene offers several unique opportunities, including direct observation (and appreciation) of the scale of facies heterogeneity in plan view.
Our observations will focus on:
Itinerary (Subject to Change)
Day 0:
Arrive in Nassau
Day 1:
Transfer to Crooked Island, check in to Lodge, introductions, safety briefing
Classroom: Introduction to Bahamas and overview of CAP and the field trip
Field: Safety/swim check dive
Day 2:
Classroom: Modern carbonate sediment; carbonate diagenesis, seismic exercise
Field: “Restricted” islands, patch reefs
Goals/learning objectives:
Day 3:
Field: Shoreface and foreshore, Pleistocene shoreface and reef outcrops
Goals/learning objectives:
Day 4:
Field: Tidal systems: tidal flats, tidal inlets and delta
Goals/learning objectives:
Day 5:
Field: Platform interior, ooid sand shoal, red algal flat, lacustrine microbialites
Goals/learning objectives:
Day 6:
Field: Reef, backreef, and slope; karst in Pleistocene strata; Pleistocene reef outcrops (Bird Rock)
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Day 7:
Depart to Nassau and return home
This course addresses the fundamental controls on carbonate systems with a global and a deep-time reservoir perspective and most concepts are broadly portable, beyond this platform. Thus the course is suitable for geologists, geophysicists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers and managers assigned to carbonate evaluations.
Familiarity with carbonate systems, as presented in N020 (Carbonate Depositional Systems), is assumed. This modern carbonate course is complimented by a number of field courses on ancient carbonates, including N059 (Applied Carbonate Geology: Carbonate Facies and Reservoirs (Mallorca and Menorca, Spain)) and N091 (Carbonate Reservoir Architecture and Applied Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy (West Texas and SE New Mexico, USA)).
The physical demands for this class are HIGH according to the Nautilus field course grading system. The trip includes physical exertion, and is marked by considerable time in and on the water. This requires that participants be able to swim in some rigorous environments. It will take place in the subtropics in spring-summer, where heat and dehydration are concerns. Transport between stops will be by open boat. Accommodation will be in shared double rooms.
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Background
Assistant Professor, University of Kansas, 2008-present
Assistant Professor, University of Miami, 2002-2008
Assistant Professor, Iowa State University, 2000-2002
Research Geologist, ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, 1996-2000
Research Interests
Carbonate sedimentology and stratigraphy, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems, quantitative sedimentology. Reefs, oolitic sands, carbonate platform systems.
Co-editor, Journal of Sedimentary Research
AAPG Distinguished Lecturer, 2008-2009
Affiliations and Accreditation
PhD University of Kansas
MS University of Tennessee
BS Augustana College
Courses Taught
N073: Workshop in Geological Seismic Interpretation: Carbonate Systems
N329: Improved Models for Exploration and Production Scale Heterogeneity on Isolated Carbonate Platforms: Crooked-Acklins Platform (Southern Bahamas)
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