Application of All Reflectors Auto-Tracking Method to Characterize the Geometry and Distribution of Carbonate Shoals: An Example from the Lower Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation in the Moxi area, Sichuan Basin, Southwestern China

Abstract

The Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation in the Sichuan Basin, southwest China, mainly comprising of dolomites, is one of the most ancient production layer in the world. Recently, Anyue gas field was discovered in the Leshan-longnvsi paleo-uplift in the central Sichuan Basin, and become the oldest gas field in the carbonate rocks in a single structural system in China. The reservoir is mainly distributed in the shoal grain dolomite, which is always controlled by the sedimentary environment. The conventional well correlation and sedimentary facies analysis might result in difficulty of carbonate shoals distribution and reservoir description in the gas field. Hence, how to characterize the geometry and distribution of carbonate shoals is critical for gas exploration and development. In our study, we completed an interpretation of 1172km2 3D seismic data in the field by means of all reflectors auto-tracking method. The method, combining density-based spatial clustering with waveform similarity clustering algorithm, can automatically track and interpret all reflectors within the 3D seismic cube. As a result, 18 local horizons, characterized by a shingled progradational configuration, were recognized within the Longwangmiao Formation. Synthetic seismograms suggest that these parallel oblique progradational sets were considered as carbonate shoals. The Longwangmiao Formation is consisted of stacked multistaged carbonate grainstones deposited on the shoals within the platform. These shoals, which grow towards northwest, are approximately distributed surrounding the Leshan-Longnvsi paleo-uplift. Stacked and widely distributed shoal grainstone reservoir is formed on the uplift. Our study suggests that the paleo-uplift mainly controls the shoal distribution in the study area, which provides important clues for gas exploration.