Title: Application of Rock Physics Diagnostics for Well Lithostratigraphic Correlation
Authors: Tamunonengiyeofori Dagogo , Ayomide Olumide Balogun
Volume: 10
Issue: 3
Pages: 1-7
Publication Date: 2026/03/28
Abstract:
Well lithostratigraphic correlation, which is a rudimental part of the reservoir evaluation and characterization process, can generally be challenging to achieve and particularly so, in frontier exploration settings where geologic information may be limited or out rightly unavailable. To contribute to the evolution of schemes put forward to overcome this challenge and readily achieve this vital task, this endeavor explored the application of rock physics diagnostics, which enables the diagnosis of rock texture, depositional environment and diagenetic history, to the process of well correlation. This is based on the premise that; rock physics diagnostic models must be robust at identifying specific laterally continuous sedimentary units, which though may be disjointed spatially, should retain their textural and historical characteristics, and as such should aid their identification and matching across multiple wells. The technique entailed performing a fluid substitution, so as to suppress other factors that may affect the rock properties, such as fluid saturation, synthesizing elastic and reservoir properties that may not be available and cross plotting the relevant diagnostic parameters. Cross plots of compressional wave velocity (Vp) against porosity for several mapped sand zones from same and different wells, showed poor semblance between the data clusters, except for when they have similar geologic properties and history. Using this analysis, four (4) sand zones were correlated across the four wells in the field of study. The technique though subjective at the moment shows great promise for improvement and integration into emerging and evolving schemes including artificial intelligence (AI) schemes.