Joint April Luncheon - Lee F. Krystinik

Joint Dallas Geological & Dallas SIPES Society Luncheon.

Talk Abstract

Syn-sedimentary tectonics have a profound impact on reservoir deposition, preservation, and the behavior of regional to local unconformities.  Tectonically controlled unconformities may appear identical to sequence boundaries created by falling sea level, and this may lead to spurious interpretations and needless expenditures. This presentation provides examples of tectonic control on reservoirs and stratigraphic relationships in tectonically active basins, including key surfaces, erosion and preservation, and stratal architecture, regardless of the depositional systems tract affected.

The syn-sedimentary structural evolution of the Anadarko and Western Interior Cretaceous Basins controls the locus of deposition for sediment that was also responding to sea-level change and variable sediment supply along strike.  This created basin-fill architectures that may initially appear layer-cake, but include significant stratigraphic complexity and ultimately drive major play fairways.  Sediment point sources of various provenance are dictated by active fault systems that controlled fluvial drainages and these localize reservoir “sweet spots”. 

Some of the largest unconformities on the North American continent are unrelated to sea-level fall and are driven largely by regional or fairly local uplift.  Adjacent tectonically driven subsidence can result in a major maximum flooding event being the direct lateral equivalent of a major regional unconformity.

The Book Cliffs of Utah are a major outcrop example underpinning sequence stratigraphic principles. However, multiple lines of evidence suggest that key examples of sequence boundaries are actually local unconformities created by antecedent streams that cut across an actively growing paleo-structure.  This does not negate the validity of the sequence stratigraphic model, but illustrates the need to integrate syn-sedimentary tectonics into our geological analysis to enhance reservoir prediction and reduce drilling risk.

Big Hint: As they fill, ALL basins are tectonically active, whether continuously or intermittently, and this controls reservoir deposition and preservation.

Speaker Bio Dr. Lee F. Krystinik uses integrated geoscience and fit-for-purpose advanced technologies to predict reservoirs and explore for oil and gas. He earned his Ph.D. in geology from Princeton University and began his career as a research geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey. Krystinik served in various geological positions, rising to Chief Geologist for Union Pacific Resources and Global Chief Geologist for ConocoPhillips before founding Fossil Creek Resources, a private-equity funded start-up. With the successful sale of Fossil Creek, he formed Equus Energy Partners, a team of experienced explorationists pursuing conventional oil targets via 3D seismic and other advanced technologies.

Krystinik has won a number of awards for technical and presentation excellence, has been an AAPG Distinguished Lecturer in North America and in Latin America, and has had the honor to serve as President of both SEPM and AAPG. 

Questions?

Contact Alex Blizzard, Dallas Geological President: alex.blizzard@spglobal.com

Contact Rob Hull, Dallas Geophysical Vice President: Robert.Hull2015@outlook.com