1999 Conference Abstracts

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1999 Abstract: Mancini et al.

Integrated Geological, Geophysical, and Computer Approach for Predicting Reef Lithofacies and Reservoirs: Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation, Appleton Field, Alabama

Ernest A. Mancini
D. Joe Benson
Department of Geology
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Bruce S. Hart
New Mexico Bureau of Mines & 
Mineral Resources
Socorro, NM 87801

Hanna Chen
Department of Computer Science
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Robert S. Balch
New Mexico Bureau of Mines & 
Mineral Resources
Socorro, NM 87801

William C. Parcell
Department of Geology
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Wen-Tai Wang
Department of Civil and 
Environmental Engineering
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Brian J. Panetta
Department of Geology
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487

Abstract

Reefs have long been known from the Upper Jurassic Smackover Formation in the Gulf Coastal Plain; however, these carbonate lithofacies have unique acoustic properties that make them difficult to define using 3-D seismic reflection technology. In the eastern Gulf Coastal Plain, microbial reef buildups occur on pre-Jurassic paleotopographic basement features on a carbonate ramp margin. Development of these buildups is a result of the interplay among paleotopography, sea-level changes, and carbonate productivity. An integrated approach of geological interpretation, computer modeling, and seismic imaging indicates that Smackover reef development is restricted to the flanks of high-relief structures, whereas on low-relief structures reef development occurred on both the crest and flanks. The combination of geological and computer modeling of parameters affecting reef development associated with pre-Jurassic paleohighs in conjunction with 3-D seismic imaging increases the chances of drilling a successful exploration well and in designing an effective field-scale reservoir management strategy.