Oil & Gas Geology ›› 2020, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (6): 1233-1243, 1256.doi: 10.11743/ogg20200611

• Petroleum Geology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Depositional characteristics of tidal channel facies in carbonate ramp of the Cretaceous Mishrif Formation in southern Iraq

Xianyu Mao1(), Benbiao Song1, Rubing Han1, Changbing Tian1, Baozhu Li1, Haiqiang Song2   

  1. 1. Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration and Development, PetroChina, Beijing 100083, China
    2. Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum International Exploration and Development Engineering Co., Ltd., Xi'an, Shaanxi 710075, China
  • Received:2020-05-14 Online:2020-12-28 Published:2020-12-09

Abstract:

The Cretaceous Mishrif Formation is a major carbonate pay zone in southern Iraq and characterized by typical carbonate ramp deposition, in which high-energy deposits of shoal facies serve to develop the best reservoirs.Further analysis of data from oilfields in southern Iraq reveals high-quality reservoirs in tidal channels of the Mishrif Formation that were previously mistaken for shoal facies.An integrated analysis of cores, casting thin sections, log and seismic data confirms that these reservoirs are indeed of tidal channel facies in lagoon environment.The tidal channel facies is widely distributed as a representative sedimentary subfacies in the area.The sediments of the facies contain grains of good sorting and rounding, and well-developed beddings with grain size showing upward positive rhythmic or homogeneous characteristics, corresponding to "bell-" or "box-shaped" log and seismic responses of weak peak interlayer.On a map view, the facies shows a banded N-SW-trending distribution characterized by an overall shifting from northeast to southwest.This study reveals that large-scale deposits of tidal channel facies are also developed in carbonate strata, a new founding that may serve as an important supplement to the sedimentary model of carbonate ramps.The understanding of carbonate ramps of tidal channel facies also sheds light on reservoir prediction and thereby lays a geological foundation for the design and adjustment of development schemes.

Key words: tidal channel facies, carbonate ramp, Mishrif Formation, sedimentary model, Cretaceous, Iraq

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