Reservoir characterization of the Triassic Kobbe and Snadd formations — Bjarmeland Platform, Norwegian Barents Sea

Abstract

A reservoir characterization study of the Triassic Kobbe and Snadd formations is carried out in the Bjarmeland Platform area, Norwegian Barents Sea, through detailed petrophysical analysis and rock physics diagnostics. Results are tied to depositional environments and discussed in the context of burial depth and cementation as present burial depth is less than maximum burial depth due to upliftment. Marginal marine sandstones in the Snadd Formation display marginally better reservoir quality on average than those of fluvial origin, yet higher quality individual reservoirs are observed within both facies. As expected, the Kobbe Formation reservoirs are consistently poorer. The sensitivity of existing rock physics models to the data is shown to be reasonably valid (via porosity, water saturation, shale volume). Snadd Formation reservoir sandstones not affected by cementation are only observed at shallow depth in the west of the study area. This is supported by comparison to an experimental compaction trend as well as rock physics models. All Kobbe Formation reservoir units show consistent signs of chemical compaction due to deeper burial. The main findings of this study are estimates of important reservoir properties and examples of how results from petrophysical analysis are validated and complemented in various rock physics domains.

Reservoir characterization of the Triassic Kobbe and Snadd formations — Bjarmeland Platform, Norwegian Barents Sea