The Glaciogenic Reservoir Analogue Studies Project (GRASP): An integrated approach to unravel genesis, infill and architecture of tunnel valleys reservoirs

Tunnel galleys are common features in Palaeozoic glacigenic succession in North Afrcica and Middle East and they are amongst the most challenging target for hydrocarbon exploration and developing drilling in these regions. Similarly, these buried valleys form important groundwater reservoirs in Quaternary glaciated areas and their nature and sediment composition is critical to drive a sustainable production strategy and assess their vulnerability. Seismic resolution however, often limits the understanding of channel valleys morphology, 3D geometry and internal reservoir distribution, thus increasing the risk associated with developing effectively these reservoirs. Therefore a analogue-based predictive stratigraphical and sedimentological model can help to steer drilling strategy and reduce uncertainties and associated risks. For this purpose the GRASP joint industry programme was established four years ago focusing on an integrated study of tunnel valley infill and architecture from the southern North Sea (UK and NL). The thorough examination of existing large subsurface and outcrop data set regarding the last 3 Pleistocene glaciations in NW Europe resulted in an improved understanding of tunnel valley genesis, sedimentary process and internal architecture. This learning can be used ultimately to improve our predictive capability when exploring and developing natural resources from these geological systems.