The Evolution of the Jurassic Arabian Basin Based on a 3D Seismic Sequence Stratigraphic Horizon Cube Model

The application of chronostratigrapy provides a framework for understanding stratigraphic evolution. Chronostratigraphy, using dip steering, is a key tool in refining the interpretation and understanding of the extent and thickness variation of the Jurassic reservoirs for mapping stratigraphic traps. The underlying concept of the method is to produce data-driven, auto-tracked chronostratigraphic horizons in a horizon cube using the dip steering process. The dip of seismic events in a seismic cube is used to create a local horizon at each position by following the dip information outwards from the cube center. This technique has considerably improved the insight into the depositional sequence of the Jurassic formations. We present a chronostratigraphic model based on the rate of change in sea level, and transgressive-regressive shift of facies. Four system tracts can be interpreted: (1) highstand system tract (HST); (2) transgressive stage systems tract (TST); (3) falling stage systems tract (FSST); and (4) lowstand systems tract (LST). On an enlarged scale, flattening the auto-tracked horizons using Wheeler transform shows erosional and depositional hiatuses. Visualizing systems tract interpretations together with the horizon cube and overlaying the normal and Wheeler transformed domains helps in identifying depositional features of interest, such as unconformities.