Smackover Regional Study - MAFLA Area

Gulf of Mexico Onshore

Core Laboratories conducted a study of the Jurassic Smackover Formation in the Mississippi-Alabama-Florida (MAFLA Region). This study completely characterizes Smackover reservoir rocks from a geological and petrophysical evaluation of seventy-two (72) conventionally cored wells. Objectives include:

• Describe and document Smackover lithologies, textures, sedimentary structures, and interpret depositional environments
• Delineate rock constituents, cements, and pore types, with special emphasis on the relationship between diagenesis, facies, and reservoir quality
• Measure the petrophysical properties of reservoir rocks for improved formation evaluation
• Provide a regional overview of Smackover properties significant to current exploration and production activities

The results of this study provide operators with data and interpretations that have applications for exploration and exploitation activities in the MAFLA region. Ten (10) facies were identified within a sequence of interpreted depositional environments that relate reservoir quality to distance from the Paleozoic shoreline. Diagenetic events with positive and adverse effects on reservoir quality have been documented and summarized. Core-derived porosity values were compared with log-derived porosity values in order to establish the reliability of standard porosity logs in the Smackover. As a result of special core analysis tests that were conducted on fourteen (14) samples from reservoir facies, a water saturation equation was derived. Considerations for drilling and completion have been offered, along with techniques for stimulation. A final overview addresses exploration and production trends, noting trap types, facies distribution patterns and targeted reservoir facies.

• Seventy-two (72) wells
• Conventional core