Lithocodium mound identification using logging-while-drilling image log and quantified cutting analysis — Validation with analogues

• DOI: 10.1190/int-2023-0071.1
• Publication Date: 2024-03-05T12:44:47Z
• Authors: Christian Perrin; Chay Pointer; Ghada Al-Mohannadi; Shantanu Sen; Muse Ajadi Buraimoh
• Keywords: Identification; Logging while drilling

Lithocodium mounds are early Cretaceous sedimentary structures described in the literature from outcrops, however, never subsurface. The objective of this work is to identify and characterize subsurface along a 25,000 ft horizontal well. Drill cuttings sampled at 100 interval observed thin sections define quantify key indicators (bioclasts, facies, texture). Logging-while-drilling (LWD) gamma ray (GR), density, neutron, resistivity logs acquired with LWD high-resolution borehole image (BHI) log. Bedding dips BHI data, interpreted well, enabled reconstruction reservoir paleotopography. In particular, alternation dip azimuth combined facies interpretation supported eight distinct mound structures. An assessment their overall geometry confirmed shape be subcircular, consistent subcircular geometries Oman outcrop. inferred dimensions comparable Aptian (30–40 m), intermound organization resembles that Albian Texas. This demonstrates value analyzing complement log outcrop analogues for interpreting For first time, identification characterization intermounds achieved.