RESERVOIR GEOMETRY OF FLUVIAL DISTRIBUTARY CHANNELS—IMPLICATIONS FOR NORTHWEST SHELF, AUSTRALIA, DELTAIC SUCCESSIONS

Abstract

The exploration and development of stratigraphically trapped hydrocarbons requires detailed knowledge of the morphologies and reservoir characteristics of the stratigraphic body. Fluvial distributary channels are important exploration targets because they are typically isolated reservoirs, laterally and vertically sealed by delta plain and abandoned channel mudstone, and thus form excellent stratigraphic traps. The morphology and reservoir characteristics of fluvial distributary channels have been confused with fluvial channels in the past. Knowing the characteristics of fluvial distributary channels and their difference from fluvial channels is the key to the successful exploration and development of distributary channel reservoirs.

Fluvial distributary channels, formed by mixed-load systems, are commonly rectilinear channel segments found only on the delta plain between the head of passes and the depositional mouthbars. While fluvial channel reservoirs are mainly sandstone deposits of meander pointbars or braided sheets, fluvial distributary channel reservoirs are typically elongated sandy channel sidebars attached to morphologically rectilinear channel walls. The sidebars form by both lateral and downstream accretion resulting from flow in a confined, but lowsinuosity thalweg, which may be filled with organic mud following channel abandonment. On 3D seismic data the morphology of a fluvial distributary channel is often slightly sinuous and can easily be mistaken for part of a meander channel belt.

Fluvial distributary channels are usually thinner and shallower compared to their updip fluvial channel belts. Width-thickness ratios for fluvial distributary channel reservoirs are on average 50:1 (range 15:1 to 100:1), while meandering fluvial channel reservoirs have widththickness ratios typically >100:1, and braided river reservoirs show ratios of 500:1 or higher. Examples from the Mahakam Delta are used to illustrate these issues. Implications for exploration and development of deltaic deposits on the North West Shelf of Australia are discussed.