Outcrop Analogues Studies

Subsurface reservoirs are characterised by the complex interaction between matrix characteristics (facies, layering, poro-permeability, wettability), diagenetic evolution and fractures (timing, style, sizes, distribution, orientation).

These relationships invariably control fluid flow in 3D by enhancing or imparting primary reservoir properties. As a result, understanding all the key features interacting in a reservoir is fundamental for an adequate description of the reservoir. Understanding these relationships is the key to model storativity and connectivity and to identify potentially highly productive intervals.

To achieve such comprehensive reservoir descriptions the geoscientist must use outcrop analogues, whose evidence has to be integrated with subsurface datasets from the specific reservoir under study.

GEPlan has carried out several outcrop projects over different analogues of subsurface fields. Outcrop analogues often supply a complete spatial distribution of the main key elements that also interact in subsurface where data resolution could be limited to well locations and to seismic resolution.