Integrated Reservoir Characterization and Multiscale Heterogeneity Modeling of Stacked Meander-belt Deposits, Lower Cretaceous McMurray Formation, Alberta

Summary The McMurray Formation is composed of large-scale fluvial meander-belt deposits that are highly heterogeneous. Repeated cut and fill events within the formation have led to a complex amalgam of stacked stratigraphic architectural elements. Lithological properties vary both laterally and vertically over short distances in the McMurray Formation. The youngest deposits of the reservoir studied at the Surmont site are well imaged using 3D seismic data; calibration with well-data enables construction of a particularly detailed reservoir model. The underlying deposits are characterized using wire line logs, core data, and stratigraphic dip analysis. For modeling purposes, internal stratigraphic architecture of both reservoir levels is mapped and distinct fluvial meander-belt architectural elements, including point bars, counter point bars, side bars and abandoned channel fills, are characterized as distinct zones. Each zone is characterized by distinct morphology, facies associations, petrophysical properties, and thus, reservoir potential. Deterministic geobody interpretations are implemented to guide geostatistical simulations; spatial distribution of facies are constrained to the mapped architectural elements. Constraining parameter estimations to deterministically interpret meander-belt architectural elements improves the predictive capability of the reservoir model. This modeling workflow preserves geological realism in models, allows spatial uncertainty to be captured adequately, and improves the ability to optimize development.