INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films tfie text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some tfiesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, wttile others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that tfie autfior did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, tfiese wiH be noted. Also, if unautfiorized copyright material fiad to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Photographs included in tfie original manuscript fiave been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higfier quality 6" x 9" tilack and vriiite pfiotographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional cfiarge. Contact UMI directly to order. Bell & Howell Information and teaming 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 USA 800-521-0600 UMI* NOTE TO USERS This reproduction is the best copy available. UMI UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA GRADUATE COLLEGE RESERVOIR CHARACTERIZATION AND GEOSTATISTICAL MODELING OF THE WEST JORDAN UNIT SAN ANDRES FORMATION, CENTRAL BASIN PLATFORM, ECTOR AND CRANE COUNTIES, WEST TEXAS A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE FACULTY in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY By VICTORIA POLZIN-FRENCH Norman, Oklahoma 2000 UMI Number 9964629 UMI* UMI Microform9964629 Copyright 2000 by Bell & Howell Information and teaming Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. Bell & Howell Information and teaming Company 300 North Zeeb Road P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor. Ml 48106-1346 RESERVOIR CHARACTERIZATION AND GEOSTATISTICAL MODELING OF THE WEST JORDAN UNIT SAN ANDRES FORMATION, CENTRAL BASIN PLATFORM, ECTOR AND CRANE COUNTIES, WEST TEXAS A Dissertation APPROVED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND GEOPHYSICS BY Copyright by VICTORIA POLZIN-FRENCH 2000 Ail Rights Reserved ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Texaco Exploration and Production, Inc (TEPI) have graciously provided funding for this study not only through generous financial support but also by providing all necessary data needed to complete the study. In addition many individuals have provided professional and technical guidance which has made the completion of this study possible. 1 would like to thank the following professors at the University of Oklahoma for their continuous support while serving as committee members for this study; Dr. James M. Forgotson, Dr. Daniel J. O’Meara, Dr. Thomas A. Dewars, and Dr. Mark Morrissey. In addition, I would like to thank Dr. W. G. Brown (Baylor University), for serving as the outside member of the dissertation committee and for all the help and inspiration he has given me throughout my years spent at Baylor. I would like to give particular thanks to Anna Shaughnessy, Texaco Group Inc., for her interest in the Institute for Reservoir Characterization at the University of Oklahoma. Anna initiated this study by directing me to Texaco Exploration and Production, Inc (TEPI) scientists who worked together with committee members and myself to develop a suitable project. A number of people at TEPl’s Midland, Texas office have provided guidance and knowledge of the Permian basin area. 1 would like to thank Kim Moore, Monty Fields and Julie Gibbs for proposing the project. Kim has been my mentor through the project and given me much insight to the Permian basin area and provided considerable support in all aspects of the project where needed. Monty has helped me to understand the engineering aspects of the West Jordan unit and fluid movement through the reservoir. 1 would also like to thank Robert McKnaughton for long discussions on waterflood iv management, particularly with respect to fluid movement and water chemistry within a waterflood environment and the considerable changes that can occur within a water- flooded reservoir. I would also like to thank Curtis Horn for showing me seismic data surrounding the West Jordan unit which enabled me to have a better understanding o f broad seismic stratigraphie relationships of the San Andres Formation from the Midland basin onto the Central Basin platform. Appreciation is also extended to Dan George who aided me with a more regional structural analysis of the area surrounding the West Jordan unit. Very special thanks are extended to Dr. Susan Longacre, Texaco Upstream Technology (TU) Department, Houston, Texas, for many hours spent guiding me through the world of carbonates and how they relate to the Permian Basin. Her expertise and input of core studies were instrumental to the understanding of the complexities of dolomitized rocks, their depositional environments, facies, and cyclic nature. Susan laid the foundation on which all my subsequent learning in the world of carbonates has been built. Mike Crammer, also at TU, was extremely helpful with describing facies partitioning within cycle boundaries and provided many useful suggestions for pulling all the chronostratigraphic work together. His suggested improvements on several figures seen within the text were sincerely appreciated. In addition, Mike provided use to his high powered microscope for analysis of samples under ultra violet florescence. Gratitude is extended to Greg Hinterlong “the man who never sleeps” with the COi Asset Team (TEPI, Midland, Texas). Greg provided insight into a number of topics affecting carbonate reservoirs including: petrophysical properties associated with San Andres dolomites; fluid flow within the reservoir; chronostratigraphic relationships within carbonate ramp settings; and extensive discussions on depositional environments and the diagenetic events that that have influenced production within these rocks. Greg has also provided considerable help in maneuvering through the geostatistical program and explaining key concepts when needed. Greg has always made himself available to answer any questions or address concerns with the project and his efforts are sincerely appreciated. I would also like to thank all the regular members of the Texaco “Carbonate Café” lunch group not already mentioned including: Emily Stoudt, David Sivils, Mike Raines, Cory Hoffinan. Denise Pfefifer, Dennis Dull and Dennis Prezbindowski. This group has provided informative presentations and discussions on carbonate reservoirs that have enhanced my knowledge considerably. Bill Keyser and Dave Liebman of TEPI, Midland Texas, provided assistance with reformatting grid files so that they could be imported into StrataModel and Earth Vision three dimensional visualization programs. Without their help building a complete visualization model would have been a tedious and much longer process. 1 would like to thank Steve Ruppel, Mark Holtz and Rick Major from the Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas. Information related to San Andres production within neighboring units was provided by these three gentlemen. Steve and Rick showed me core from the area and discussed their interpretations during a visit to the BEG. Mark provided me with data and information from work that he completed on the Jordan University Unit. 1 would also like to thank James Dormelly for many hours spent on the phone with me coordinating the shipment of BEG cores from Austin to the University of Oklahoma and Midland, Texas. Appreciation is also extended to OXY USA, Inc., for giving me permission to use one of their seismic lines within the body of vi this paper. In addition to the people mentioned above, a vast number of individuals have given me moral support and assistance throughout the completion of this study. 1 would like to thank everyone within the TEPI former Central Basin Platform Asset Team and individuals within the Midland Asset Team and associated operating units who have supplied me with data or support. 1 would particularly like to thank the members of my team who have been supportive and understanding while 1 have taken time to finish this project including: Ryan Ott, Shilpa Abbitt, Bob Johnson, Curtis Horn, Kim Moore, Jim Ferrell, and Steve Chandler. 1 would like to thank Patrick J. O’Connell for his emotional support and “you need to wrap it up girl” comments to help me stay focused; Brenda Braun for getting me out on the town on occasion, and Dinero for all the stress relieving rides. Finally, 1 thank my family for their continued support and encouragement without which this study would never have been possible. My mother Patsy A. Polzin has always encouraged me to be independent and motivated me to pursue my goals, my father Earl A. Polzin has provided me with a great respect for all individuals and high admiration for moral character while encouraging me to follow my heart and dreams, and my brother Douglas L. Polzin who has always been around for me when 1 need emotional support in my life or a ski buddy to get away for a while and play in the snow. Thank you all. VII TABLE OF CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...............................................................................................iv CONTENTS ......................................................................................................................viii