Reservoir characterization through inversion and attribute analysis on the Dakota and Paradox formations, Ute Dome field, San Juan basin

The purpose of this study was to clearly define the reservoirs through a detailed 3-D reservoir characterization of the Cretaceous and Paradox formations using the most recent well data within the Ute Dome 3-D data set provided by XTO and the Ute Mountain Ute tribe. The primary goals were to create a stronger geologic model, to interpret regional horizons and faults, to improve vertical resolution of seismic data within the Paradox and Cretaceous formations through inversion techniques, to complete attribute analysis and log response prediction, and to evaluate the reprocessed data sets to more clearly define the reservoir.; The results of the study were mixed. The geologic analysis of the Dakota led to a good geologic model for the field. Due to the low fold quality of the seismic survey at the Dakota interval, the further refinement and characterization of the reservoir was unsuccessful. The Paradox study was successful in predicting reservoir properties. The isopachs of the Paradox formations tied remarkably well with the inversion and porosity prediction models. The thickest sections of the Ismay tied to the areas of highest impedance and porosity which correlated to the most prolific wells in the Ute Dome field.