CHARACTERIZING DEFORMATION IN SEDIMENTARY STRUCTURES OF OIL FIELDS USING 2D PROFILES FROM WELL LOGS AND POTENTIAL FIELD DATA IN PARTS OF SOUTH CENTRAL KANSAS

The deformation of sedimentary layers maybe influence by Precambrian basement topography and kilometer scale lineaments such as faults and fractures that serve as a proxy for identifying depositional highs in Phanerozoic sediments in parts of central Kansas. In Kansas, sedimentary deformation associated with basement structures have been studied since oil exploration began, although very few studies have focused on how the basement controls overlying sedimentary deformation. The objective of this study is to determine how depositional high associated with sedimentary deformation are affected by basement structures in parts of central Kansas. For this study, several 2D profiles were generated using potential field data over three oil fields. In addition well log data was used to map sedimentary structures of producing intervals within the study area. Result show that where there is a good contrast in rock density and magnetic susceptibility between basement and overlying rock layers, 2D profile can be a very useful tool to illustrate the control of basement structure on sedimentary deformation. Several structural highs in sedimentary layers were found along the crest of shallow draped basement anticline for example along the Rush Rib and the Burbon Arch. The 2D profiles also show that the sedimentary layers that were deposited on the flank of the anticlines, have a higher density than those on the crest interpreted to be due to gravitational compaction. It is noted that in 2 zones where the gravitational compaction were observed there is a significant contrast in key petrophysical properties (e.g. density and porosity). Using potential field data in combination with well log data can be an effective tool to identify gravitational compaction zones. This is significant for petrophysical and structural effort in less developed fields in south central Kansas that are subject to tectonic deformation. These results have potential for application in enhanced oil recovery and carbon dioxide sequestration in well-developed fields.