Seismic Imaging and Characterization of an Isolated Carbonate Buildup: Tengiz Field

High amplitude seismic events (referred to as “Mega-Amplitude” events) are observed in a recent Tengiz 3D seismic. Forward models show that Mega-Amplitude events can result from cavernous systems in carbonate rock at Tengiz. These Mega-Amplitude events may result from solution enhancement of fractures via deep-burial corrosive diagenesis, resulting in high permeability fairways. These seismic events correlate with evidence for cavernous porosity in wells including lost circulation, bit drops, open calipers, and cavernous zones on image logs. Identification of cavernous porosity is important for understanding field performance and targeting high-rate wells.