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Abstract— A detailed petrographic study on the samples from 1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
namely well A and well B of Field EX, Central Luconia, Offshore
Sarawak. Out of it, facies will be established which what will EX field is still under appraisal where the geology as a
become the basis for the depositional environmental study. Field
potential reservoir of this field is still poorly understood.
EX is still under appraisal which has been identified to be gas
reservoir with an oil rim with substantial volume. However, Previous study on the respective field has shown the presence
reservoir facies identification and its distribution are yet to be of the targeted porous permeable dolomite and the tight layer
well-defined. A little knowledge on the presence of an limestone which raises question on the overall performance of
impermeable dolomite layer which may affect the reservoir overall the reservoir as their characteristics and distributions are not
performance Thus, provided with thin section data of well A and known. Thus, a better understanding is needed to be achieved
B, core data, well data and seismic data, study had been conducted for Field EX of Central Luconia.
to gain a better understanding of the subsurface geology of Field
EX, Central Luconia. Up to date, along with the present seismic data, few wells
Keywords- Petrographic, microfacies, depositional environmental have been drilled in the study area of Field EX. Central Luconia
study. providing a glimpse of the subsurface geology. These 2 data
(seismic and well data) are fundamental in providing the
INTRODUCTION characteristic and behaviors of the subsurface which reflect
their geology as a potential reservoir (lithology, porosities,
permeabilities, etc.). However, this does not take the
1.1 BACKGROUND
microfacies aspect into account which analyze on its
petrography and paleontological criteria.
Central Luconia had been known for its natural gas
resources based off carbonate reservoir. Over the decades, a
Thus, in this study, we will be looking into the thin section
number of carbonate reservoirs had been developed and
samples in the effort of establishing its microfacies. Few sets of
produced, and yet, there still a number that are currently being
thin section samples from the well A and well B had been
appraised. One of which is the carbonate platform in Field EX.
brought in. These data are the fundamentals to this study
From the previous studies, the respective carbonate platform
whereby the analysis and the interpretations will be made,
had been appraised with hydrocarbon gas with oil rim on cycle
which will be the key in the facies and depositional
IV and V. However, limited knowledge of the carbonate
environment identifications. This would provide a better look
platform may be the setback from it being developed.
on the reservoir distributions and its paleoenvironment, thus
establishing a better understanding of the subsurface geology of
Given its importance as a hydrocarbon gas reservoir, Field
Field EX, Central Luconia.
EX still lacks an understanding on its facies and its
distributions, as well for its depositional environment. Thus,
1.3 OBJECTIVE
this study will revolve around the petrographic study of well A
which penetrates the carbonate platform EX at the depth
The objectives of the research are:
interval of 5568.2 ft. to 6133.5 ft. This well covers on the
targeted petroliferous Miocene carbonate of cycle IV and cycle
V. Petrographic studies conducted will be focusing on the 1. To gain a better understanding of the subsurface
component compositions and texture which will be the base for geology in Field EX, Central Luconia.
the facies and depositional environment identifications.
Through the integration of the seismic data, well data, and core 2. To identify the facies of the Miocene carbonate and its
and thins sections samples, this study will be conducted in the distributions of Field EX, Central Luconia.
effort of establishing a better understanding of the geology of
carbonate platform EX. 3. To provide a simplified depositional model based on
the identified microfacies.
1
1.4 SCOPE OF STUDY was classified under 8 different stratigraphic cycles, separated
by the regressive cycles [5] [6].The Miocene carbonates
This study covers the microfacies study of thin section revolve around cycle III, IV and V [7].
samples of Well A and B. This study looked into the
petrographic elements of the carbonate sample from the depth 2.2 REGIONAL GEOLOGY OF CENTRAL
of 5568.2 ft. to 6133.5 ft. for well A and 5804.5 ft. to 6347.5 ft. LUCONIA
for well B which represent the cycles IV and V.
Petrographic analysis had been made upon the samples Central Luconia is positioned in the South China Sea and it
which evaluates its petrographic contents in the effort of is bounded to the east and west by Baram Delta separated by
establishing its facies while at the same time, petrophysical the West Baram Line and Rajang (West Luconia) Deltas [3] [8]
assessments on the reservoir properties (porosities, [6] [9]. It is situated in the intermediate position between the
permeabilities, etc.) also had been quantified in the effort of subsidence and extensional from the continuous opening of the
identifying the reservoir qualities over the Field EX of Central South China Sea Basin to the north and compressional
Luconia. Facies identified which were based on the Balingian Province to the south [9] [10] [8] [11] [6] [3] [7] [12].
petrographical findings will give us an insight into its extent
and distribution. This, in turn, will provide us with the From a study shown by [6], tectonic activities were
information on its depositional history thus leading to widespread during the early Miocene and decrease towards
conceptual depositional environment model. Pliocene [6]. One of the most prominent tectonic occurred
during the Oligocene to Early Miocene where the presence of
Towards the end of this project, these two elements had been NNE-SSW trending faults which triggers the formation of horst
established; and graben. The southern part of the Luconia Province is
characterized as an area underwent transition from coastal plain
(i) Facies distributions. to inner neritic deposits while the northern part were
(ii) Depositional environmental model. experiencing both inner and outer neritic [2] [7]. It was later
during the Middle Miocene when the presence of dextral strike-
slip faults which played a significant role which had induced
LITERATURE REVIEW the structural highs where carbonate platforms had formed on
[2]. Tectonic activities pace are found to decrease towards the
2.1 GEOLOGICAL SETTINGS OF STUDY AREA Late Early Miocene [7].
2
Middle to late Miocene (Cycles IV and V) [7]. The end of Cycle
V is marked by the prograding Baram and Rajang-Lupar deltas
extended offshore burying portions of the Central Luconia
carbonate platforms [11].
3
mudstone and wackestone in the sheltered part of the The fossil assemblage is an important indicator in the
lagoon. The restricted marine environment is reflected depositional environmental study. Given with the division of
through the abundant occurrence of imperforated benthonic the depositional environment of a carbonate platform, only
foraminifera. certain organisms may thrive under the specific environment
which suits their conditions and preference as shown in Figure
2) Reefoid – It exist as a narrow belt around the complex. It is 5. Thus, through the petrography study, fossil assemblage
reflected by the abundance occurrence of coral colonies present will be identified which will be the foundation to the
along with encrusting and branching calcareous algae, depositional environment identification.
encrusting and free benthonic organism such as
foraminifera, gastropods, echinoids, etc. the coral act as the METHODOLOGY
platform to which the other organisms attach themselves to.
They are prone to modification by the biological and early
diagenetic process which include micritization,
encrustation, cementation etc.
3) Shallow Open Marine – it exists on the seaward slope or the 3.1 Petrographic Analysis
submerged bank. The sediments may vary in 2 different
scenarios; reef derived debris mixed with normal marine
A microfacies analysis on thin section samples from well A
fauna and calcareous algae, or minimum reef debris with
and well B from the depths of 5568.2 ft. to 6133.5 ft. m and
abundant calcareous algal ball for the submerged bank.
5804.5 ft. to 6347.5 ft. The thin sections are impregnated with
They also may exhibit the rate of deposition through its clay
blue epoxy resin. The study had been conducted using the
content.
transmitted light microscopy under the polarized light. An
analysis was made based on its paleontological and
4) Deeper Marine Environment – it exists further down the petrographic components and thus be recorded accordingly.
slope from the ‘Shallow Open Marine’ or the deeply
submerged bank. Both environments reflecting a low reef
3.2 Petrophysical Logs Studies
debris. Carbonate mud, platy corals and planktonic
foraminifera represent the bulk sediment of the
The petrophysical logs data has been derived from the well
environment.
data. The derived data includes the porosity, permeability, etc.
which basically are the attributes contributing to the overall
2.3 CARBONATES OF CENTRAL LUCONIA
reservoir properties and qualities. Through these data, the tight
layers present will be identified.
4
The EX carbonate platform buildup had been 4.2 MICROFACIES OF FIELD EX, CENTRAL
deposited during the cycle III, IV, and V of the Miocene. It LUCONIA.
started off on its 1st depositional sequence where the carbonate
productions were prevalent at the time of depositions. This had Petrographic study conducted had been conducted over well
resulted in the first emergence or ‘start up’ of the EX carbonate A which shows a variation in the texture, components,
platform. Proceeding the 1st depositional sequence, this had led properties (e.g. porosity, sorting, etc.). All observations had
to the 2nd depositional sequence where the carbonate been recorded accordingly.
productions had increased exponentially exceeding the sea
level. This had cause the prograding build out of the carbonate Generally, throughout well A of Field EX, the main
platform which in turn had resulted extensive lateral growth of lithology is limestone. However, on some depths, the presence
EX carbonate platforms. During the 3rd and the 4th stage of the of dolomite can still be noted. The texture seen throughout well
depositional sequence, the carbonate productions generally had A is ranging from mudstone to wackestone-packstone. The mud
slowed down which had led to the transgression ingrowth of the content may be considered as relatively high throughout the
carbonate platform as proven by the presence of onlap whole well. Even for packstone, they may range from 25%-
terminations. Finally, the 5th depositional sequence had marked 55%. Some of the prominent bioclastic components observed
the end of EX carbonate platform. During this stage, the rise in include benthic foraminifera, coralline, red algae, echinoderm
sea level had exceeded the carbonate production at which the and brachiopod. Mouldic porosity and microporosity had been
carbonate deposition cannot catchup with the rise in sea level identified as the main contributor to the porosity percentage.
which had led to the demise of the EX carbonate platform. The Diagenesis features are not that prevalent on the shallow depths
features during this stage includes the prominent inwards build- however as we get to the deeper depths, diagenesis features
in of the carbonate platform and the presence of pinnacle from compactions such as fractures, stylolites started to get
structures. However, this study concern is only on sequence 3, prominent.
4 and 5 where the studied well A penetrated.
A total of 9 microfacies had been identified over the EX
In terms of its depositional environment, based on the field of Central Luconia based on the petrographic findings.
seismic section alone, the depositional environment of well A Table 1 presents all 9 microfacies identified.
is generally at the backreef as seen in the seismic.
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Table 1 shows The microfacies of Field EX, Central Luconia
No. Descriptions
MF-1 Crystalline (MF-1)
This microfacies is dominantly made up of
crystalline cement. Some components which may be
present within this microfacies include large benthic
foraminifera, algae, coral and bryozoan. It is
Limestone in lithology. Overall, this microfacies
showing poor porosities as a result of cementations.
It is identified with backreef environment.
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MF-6 Encrusting wacke-packstone (MF-6)
This microfacies is identified with a dominant
percentage of Encrusting Foram Same as MF-5, in
this microfacies, Encrusting Foram. would thrive
with the absence of other foraminifera. It is
Limestone in lithology. The grain size is medium-
coarse (may range up to 5 mm) and it is moderately
sorted. Overall, this microfacies showing significant
high porosities which mostly contributed by inter-
particle porosities. It is identified with backreef
environment (close to lagoon).
MF-7 Algal wacke-packstone (MF-7)
This microfacies is marked by the present of algae
as the main component. Mostly, this microfacies
would have a high mud contents as a complement to
the algae. The lithology may vary from Limestone to
Dolomite. The grain size is very fine-medium (may
range up to 1 mm) and it is moderately sorted. This
microfacies is denser towards the bottom part of the
well. Overall, this microfacies showing fair
porosities. It is identified with backreef environment
(close to lagoon).
MF-8 Coral wacke-packstone/floatstone (MF-8)
This microfacies is characterized by the high
percentage in coral components. It is Limestone in
lithology. The grain size is medium-coarse and it is
moderately sorted. Overall, this microfacies had
shown a varying porosity percentage (poor-high
porosity). It is identified with backreef environment
(close to Reef Crest).
Figure 7 shows the microfacies distributions throughout the mud had filled up the spaces between the grain particles
whole well. inhibiting the porosities.
4.3 MICROFACIES INTERPRETATION AND ITS As it moves from the lagoon and closer to the backreef, it
DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENTS starts to show the presence of algal components as seen in MF-
7. This is due to the fact that the depositional environments
In this section, the 9 identified facies had been grouped
getting shallower up to a point in the photic zone (light exposed
according to its depositional environment.
environment). This, in turn, promotes the growth of algal
4.3.1 Lagoon population.
7
These textures would reflect on the relatively higher From the identified 9 microfacies and its depositional
depositional energy of the backreef environment. They are environments, a plot had been made to represents its
characterized as having dominant benthic foraminifera content distribution throughout well A. The finalized plot is presented
followed by coral. These components are all deposited in situ in Figure 7.
(backreef in origin). Within this depositional environment,
most of which had shown medium-course grained with poorly From Figure 7, we may observe the facies distributions
sorted configurations. changes from mudstone and algal wacke-packstone dominated
in the bottom well towards the benthic foraminiferal wacke-
Within the backreef environment-closer to the lagoon, it wackestone and coral wacke-packstone/floatstone dominated
shows a higher MF-7 algal wacke-packstone and decreases on the upper part of the well.
towards the reef crest. Whereas, within the backreef
environment-closer to the reef crest, it shows a higher MF-8 This in turn reflects on depositional environmental changes
Coral wacke-packstone/floatstone and benthic foraminifera occurred throughout well A. Generally, well A have a backreef
which includes MF- 4, MF-6. depositional. However, we can observe progressive changes
occurred going from the bottom of the well towards the top of
4.3.1 Deep Marine the well, - from lagoonal environment to backreef-reef crest
environment.
the microfacies covered in deep marine depositional
environment include MF-2 Cycloclypeus wacke-packstone. It 4.4 DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL MODEL
is characterized as having the presence Cycloclypeus sp. which
specifically thrive in the protected deep marine environment. Figure 8 shows the finalized depositional environment
The presence of MF-2 (deep marine in origin) in backreef is model for each of the microfacies identified. Well A of Field
reasoned with the fact that there has been an influx of EX has been identified with 3 depositional environments: -
Cycloclypeus sp. from the deep marine into the backreef during
1. Lagoon (MF-9)
the rapid rise in sea level in Sequence 5. That being said, it
2. Backreef (MF-1, MF-3, MF-4, MF-5, MF-6, MF-7,
would reflect a poorly sorted configuration. and MF-8)
3. Deep Marine (MF-2)
4.4 DEPOSITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLOT
For the backreef environment facies, some may thrive closer to
the lagoon (MF-7) and others may thrive closer towards the
Reef Crest (MF-4, MF-6, MF-8).
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Figure 7 shows The Microfacies and Depositional Environment Plot
MF-8 MF-1 MF-5
MF-6
MF-7
MF-3
Backreef environment near In the backreef In the backreef
the carbonate rim (Reef environment environment
Crest) In the backreef
environment
Low energy photic
environment of the backreef
In the backreef
MF-9 environment near to Reef
Crest
MF-4
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