Skip to main content
Log in

Integration of 1D and 3D modeling schemes to establish the Farewell Formation as a self-sourced reservoir in Kupe Field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand

  • Research Article
  • Published:
Frontiers of Earth Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Along with conventional methods, this paper proposed a method in which 1D and 3D models are integrated to identify the self-sourced reservoir potential of the Farewell Formation in the Kupe Gas Field within the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Source rock characteristics were evaluated at both field and basin scales by investigating source rock maturity, type of organic matter, and hydrocarbon generation potential by rock pyrolysis, using Rock-Eval 2 and 6. The 1D thermal and burial history model established the rate of sedimentation and thermal history of the Kupe 4 well. Reservoir characterization at field-scale was determined by seismic interpretation, well log analysis, and 3D structural and petrophysical models. The sediments of the Farewell Formation contain types II–III (oil/gas prone) and type III (gas prone) and have fair-to-excellent generation potential. The oxygen and hydrogen indices ranged from 3 to 476 mg CO2/g TOC and 26 to 356 mg HC/g TOC, respectively, whereas the thermal maturity determined by vitrinite reflectance values ranged between 0.3% and 0.72%, indicating that the Farewell Formation is in immature-to-mature hydrocarbon generation stage. Thus, Farewell Formation was verified to be a good source rock. Additionally, structural interpretations demonstrated the structural complexity of an extensional and contractional regime within the reservoir package. Multiple faults indicated a good reservoir property there with a trapping mechanism as well as migration paths. A well-log-based petrophysical analysis established the presence of up to 70% hydrocarbon saturation within the pore spaces of Farewell sandstones. The 3D models confirmed that the Farewell Formation has significant sand zones and hydrocarbon-saturated zones, thereby proving its very good reservoir characteristics. It has been proved that the 1D and 3D structural schemes, integrated with geological techniques, was vital in identifying the Kupe Field as a self-sourced reservoir.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adelu A O, Aderemi A A, Akanji A O, Sanuade O A, Kaka S L I, Afolabi O, Olugbemiga S, Oke R (2019). Application of 3D static modeling for optimal reservoir characterization. J Afr Earth Sci, 152: 184–196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anyiam O A, Eradiri J N, Mode A W, Okeugo C G, Okwara I C, Ibemesi P O (2020). Sequence stratigraphic analysis and reservoir quality assessment of an onshore field, Central Swamp Depobelt, Niger Belt Basin, Nigeria. Arab J Geosci, 12(24): 791

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ali M, Abdelhady A, Abdelmaksoud A, Darwish M, Essa M A (2019). 3D static modelling and petrographic aspects of the Albian/Cenomanian Reservoir, Komombo Basin, Upper Egypt. Nat Resour Res, 29(2): 1259–1281

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Armstrong P A, Chapman D S, Funnell R H, Allis R G, Kamp P J J (1996). Thermal modelling and hydrocarbon generation in an active margin basin: Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. AAPG Bull, 80: 1216–1241

    Google Scholar 

  • Barker C (1974). Pyrolysis techniques for source rock evaluation. AAPG Bull, 58: 2349–2361

    Google Scholar 

  • Burrus J, Kuhfuss A, Doligez B, Ungerer P (1991). Are numerical models useful in reconstructing the migration of hydrocarbons? A discussion based on the Northern Viking Graben. Geol Soc Lond Spec Publ, 59(1): 89–109

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chongwain G M, Osinowo O O, Ntamak-Nida M J, Biouele SEA, Nkoa E N (2019). Petrophysical characterization of reservoir intervals in well-X and well-Y, M-Field, offshore Douala Sub-Basin, Cameroon. J Pet Explor Prod Technol, 9(2): 911–925

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Erlström M, Sopher D (2019). Geophysical well log motifs, lithology, stratigraphical aspects and correlation of the Ordovician succession in the Swedish part of the Baltic Basin. Int J Earth Sci, 108(4): 1387–1407

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Espitalie J, Laporte L J, Madec M, Marquis F, Leplat P, Paulet J, Boutefeu A (1977). Rapid method of characterization of sea rocks, their oil potential and their degree of evolution. Rev Inst Fran. Pétrole, 32: 32–42 (in French)

    Google Scholar 

  • Franzel M, Back S (2019). Three-dimensional seismic sedimentology and stratigraphic architecture of prograding clinforms, central Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Int J Earth Sci, 108(2): 475–496

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hakimi M H, Shalaby M R, Abdullah W H (2012). Diagenetic characteristic and reservoir quality of the Lower Cretaceous Biyadh sandstones at Kharir oilfield in the western central Masila Basin, Yemen. J Asian Earth Sci, 51: 109–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Haque A KM E, Islam M A, Ragab Shalaby MOHAMEDR (2016). Structural modelling of the Maui Gas Field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Pet Explor Dev, 43(6): 965–975

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hemming-Sykes S (2011). The influence of faulting on hydrocarbon migration in Kupe area, south Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Dissertation for Master’s Degree. Wellington: Victoria University of Wellington

    Google Scholar 

  • Higgs K E, Crouch E M, Raine J I (2017). An interdisciplinary approach to reservoir characterization: an example from the early to middle Eocene Kaimiro Formation, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Mar Pet Geol, 86: 111–139

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Higgs K E, King P R, Raine J I, Sykes R, Browne G H, Crouch E M, Baur J R (2012). Sequence stratigraphy and controls on reservoir sandstone distribution in an Eocene marginal marine-coastal plain fairway, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Mar Pet Geol, 32(1): 110–137

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ilg B R, Hemmings-Sykes S, Nicol A, Baur J, Fohrmann M, Funnell R, Milner M (2012). Normal faults and gas migration in an active plate boundary, southern Taranaki Basin, offshore New Zealand. AAPG Bull, 96(9): 1733–1756

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Islam M A, Yunsi M, Qadri S M T, Shalaby M R, Haque A K M E (2020). Three-dimensional structural and petrophysical modeling for reservoir characterization of the Mangahewa Formation, Pohokura Gas-Condensate Field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Nat Resour Res

  • Johnston J H, Collier R H, Collen J D (1990). What is the source of Taranaki oils? Geochemical biomarkers suggest it is very deep coals and shales. In: Proceedings of New Zealand Oil Exploration Conference 1989, Wellington

  • Jumat N, Shalaby M R, Aminul Islam M (2018). Integrated reservoir characterization of the Paleocene Farewell Formation, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand, using petrophysical and petrographical analyses. J Pet Explor Prod Technol, 8(3): 685–701

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Killops S D, Woolhouse A D, Weston R J, Cook R A (1994). A geochemical appraisal of oil generation in the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. AAPG Bull, 78: 1560–1585

    Google Scholar 

  • King P R, Thrasher G P (1996). Cretaceous–Cenozoic geology and petroleum systems of the Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. In: Institute of Geological and Nuclear Sciences Monograph, vol.13 (2). Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences, Lower Hutt

    Google Scholar 

  • Knox G J (1982). Taranaki Basin, structural style and tectonic setting. N Z J Geol Geophys, 25(2): 125–140

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Martin K R, Baker J C, Hamilton P J, Thrasher G P (1994). Diagenesis and reservoir quality of Paleocene sandstones in the Kupe South Field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. AAPG Bull, 78(4): 624–643

    Google Scholar 

  • Mukhopadhay P K (1994). Petrographic and molecular characterization and its applications to basin Modelling. In: Mukhopadhyay PK, Dow WG, eds. Vitrinite reflectance as a maturity parameter: applications and limitations. American Chemical Society, Washington DC

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Osinowo O O, Ayorinde J O, Nwankwo C P, Ekeng O M, Taiwo O B (2018). Reservoir description and characterization of Eni field offshore Niger Delta, southern Nigeria. J Pet Explor Prod Technol, 8(2): 381–397

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osli L N, Shalaby M R, Islam M A (2018). Characterization of source rocks and depositional environment, and hydrocarbon generation modelling of the Cretaceous Hoiho Formation, Great South Basin, New Zealand. Petrol Coal, 60(2): 255–275

    Google Scholar 

  • Peters K E (1986). Guidelines for the evaluating petroleum source rock using programmed pyrolysis. AAPG Bull, 70(3): 318–329

    Google Scholar 

  • Peter K E, Cassa M R (1994). Applied source rock geochemistry. In: Magoon L, Dow WG, eds. The petroleum system-from source-trap: AAPG Memoir, 60: 93–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Qadri S M T, Shalaby M R, Islam M A, Hoon L L (2016). Source rock characterization and hydrocarbon generation modeling of the Middle to Late Eocene Mangahewa Formation in Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Arab J Geosci, 9(10): 559

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qadri SMT, Islam M A, Shalaby M R, Eahsan ul Haque A K M (2017). Seismic interpretation and structural modelling of Kupe Field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Arab J Geosci, 10(14): 295

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qadri S M T, Islam M A, Shalaby M R (2019a). Three-dimensional petrophysical modelling and volumetric analysis to model the reservoir potential of the Kupe Field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Nat Resour Res, 28(2): 369–392

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qadri SMT, Islam M A, Shalaby M R (2019b). Application of well log analysis to estimate the petrophysical parameters and evaluate the reservoir quality of the Lower Goru Formation, Lower Indus Basin, Pakistan. Geo-mech. Geophys. Geo-energ. Geo-resour, 5: 271–288

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qadri SMT, Islam M A, Shalaby M R, Abdel Aal AK (2020). Reservoir quality evaluation of the Farewell sandstone by integrating sedimentological and well log analysis in the Kupe South Field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. J Petrol Explor Prod Technol

  • Sarma M, Kellet R, Pryde S, Reynolds G (2014). Petroleum Systems Modelling: Evaluation of the Eltham Area (PEP 51150), Onshore Taranaki Basin. Wellington: New Zealand Corp

    Google Scholar 

  • Seyyedattar M, Zendehboudi S, Butt S (2020). Technical and nontechnical challenges of development of offshore petroleum reservoirs: Characterization and production. Nat Resour Res, 29(3): 2147–2189

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shalaby M R, Hakimi M H, Abdullah W H (2011). Geochemical characteristics and hydrocarbon generation modelling of the Jurassic source rocks in Shoushan Basin, north Western Desert, Egypt. Mar Pet Geol, 28(9): 1611–1624

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sykes R, Volk H, George S C, Ahmed M, Higgs K E, Johansen P E, Snowdon L R (2014). Marine influence helps preserves the oil potential of the coaly source rocks: Eocene Mangahewa Formation, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Org Geochem, 66: 140–163

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sykes R, Snowdon L R (2002). Guidelines for assessing the petroleum potential of the coaly source rocks using rock-eval pyrolysis. Org Geochem, 33(12): 1441–1455

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Thompson J G (1982). Hydrocarbon source rock analyses of Pakawau Group and Kapuni Formation sediments, northwest Nelson and offshore South Taranaki, New Zealand. N Z J Geol Geophys, 25(2): 141–148

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tissot B P, Welte D H (1984). PetroleumFormation and Occurrence. 2nd ed. Berlin: Springer

    Book  Google Scholar 

  • Wapples D W (1980). Time and temperature in petroleum formation: application of Lopatin’s method to petroleum exploration. AAPG Bull, 2(6): 916–926

    Google Scholar 

  • Wapples D W (1994). Maturity modelling: thermal indicators, hydrocarbon generation, and oil cracking. AAPG Mem, 60: 285–306

    Google Scholar 

  • Weimer R J, Rebne C A, Davis T L (1988). Geologic and seismic models, muddy sandstone, Lower Cretaceous, Bell Creek-Rocky Point area, Powder River basin, Montana and Wyoming. In: Diedrich R, Dyka M, Miller W. eds. Eastern Powder River basin-Black Hills: Wyoming Geological Association 39th Field Conference Guidebook, 147–160

  • Wyllie M R J (1963). The Fundamentals of Well Log Interpretations. New York: Academic Press

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. M. Talha Qadri.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Qadri, S.M.T., Islam, M.A., Shalaby, M.R. et al. Integration of 1D and 3D modeling schemes to establish the Farewell Formation as a self-sourced reservoir in Kupe Field, Taranaki Basin, New Zealand. Front. Earth Sci. 15, 631–648 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-020-0839-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11707-020-0839-8

Keywords

Navigation