Reservoir assessment of Middle Jurassic sandstone-dominated formations in the Egersund Basin and Ling Depression, eastern Central North Sea

Abstract

Reservoir quality assessment was conducted from petrophysical analysis and rock physics diagnostics on 15 wells penetrating Middle Jurassic sandstone reservoir formations in different regions of the eastern Central North Sea. Seismic interpretation on available 3D and 2D seismic reflection data was utilized to map thickness variations and to draw broad correlations to structural features such as salt structures and faults. In the central Egersund Basin, the Sandnes Formation shows good reservoir properties (gross thickness = 107–147 m, N/G = 33–53%) while the Bryne Formation exhibits poorer reservoir quality (N/G < 20%). Both formations display variable reservoir properties and thicknesses on the northern flank of the Egersund Basin and in the Ling Depression (Sandnes Formation: gross thickness 16–26 m, N/G = 11–81%; Bryne Formation: 30–221 m, N/G = 25–70%). The time-equivalent Hugin and Sleipner formations are more locally developed in the southwest part of Ling Depression, and display good-to-excellent and intermediate reservoir quality, respectively. Furthermore, we use the outcomes of the conducted analyses to correlate observations to further exploration on various reservoir target formations and on seismic prediction of reservoir properties. Thus, the risk on reservoir presence and efficiency for the chased targets is considerably reduced. The main remaining risks within the study area are related to source rocks, their maturity, expulsion and migration of hydrocarbon, and the timing of trap formation.

Reservoir assessment of Middle Jurassic sandstone-dominated formations in the Egersund Basin and Ling Depression, eastern Central North Sea