f Modelling the Effect of Turbidite Amalgamation on Reservoir Flow Properties Using Outcrop Data

Sheet-like clastic deposits form in a variety of deep-water environments and are significant reservoirs for hydrocarbons. Outcrop observations show howeve that there is a considerable variability in the geometry and intemal connectivity of sandstone beds that form sheet-like turbidite units. These genetic units are differentiated by distinct bed geometry and facies characteristics, such as thin-bedded low net-to-gross systems (e.g. levee units), and thick bedded high net-to-gross systems (e.g. proximal sandy lobe units). In these systems the principal heterogeneities considered to affect hydrocarbon recovery are the distribution of facies with highly contrasting permeabilities and the degree of lateral and vertical connectivity of pay zones. These heterogeneities arise from the interbedding of sandstone and genetically related shale caps resulting from the deposits of discrete turbidity current events. Depending upon the erosive potentialof successive turbulent flows, shale caps can be locally preserved or removed, the latter resulting in improved vertical connectivity ofthe reservoir.