Sedimentology: Core Description and Thin-Section Analysis

The pictures you see on this page are from previous core workshops and projects across the globe.

Our in-house expertise in core-description covers the full spectrum of depositional environments from fluvial and deltaic/shoreface systems to deepwater deposits, as well as carbonate rocks.

Advantages of using our core-description services:

  • Expertise in both conventional and unconventional cores
  • Comprehensive core report
  • Digital archive of extracted core-data in editable format
  • Accurate ‘Core-shift’ for well-logs through appropriate calibration
  • Integrated reservoir characterization for lithofacies and depofacies
  • Cost effective, on time delivery of world-class products

Our costs are significantly lower than that of our competitors in the U.S and Western Europe. But our quality of work is superior because of our integrated approach- Applied Stratigraphix goes beyond the routine core descriptions by solving critical problems of understanding depositional environments, reservoir geometry, reservoir heterogeneity and interconnectivity. If you are not satisfied, we will not charge you for the hours worked!

Our vast experience in core description from basins around the world includes:

  • North Sea & Offshore Mid-Norway
  • Williston Basin
  • Barents Sea
  • Kohat-Potwar Basin
  • West Africa (Angola)
  • Middle and Lower Indus Basin
  • Paradox Basin
  • Powder River Basin
  • San Juan Basin
  • Taranaki Basin
  • Permian Basin

Sedimentology

This will show grain size, sedimentary structures, and trace fossil suites. Besides a graphic representation you will receive a description, process interpretation and environment of deposition.

Sequence Stratigraphy (Cycles)

If you have biostratigraphic data we can mark sequence boundaries and maximum flooding surfaces directly on the core. Alternatively we can also mark key sequence stratigraphic surfaces in core and add systems tracts. Conversely, if you have regional stratigraphic markers/tops (from well logs or seismic data) we can upload those to our core-description panel for comparison.

Bioturbation Index

A bioturbation index shows the intensity of sediment churning and the preservation of the original sedimentary fabric. Bioturbation can both enhance and degrade reservoir quality and we recommend a column that shows the BI such that you can determine the effect of bioturbation on the porosity and permeability of your reservoirs.

Porosity-Permeability & Saturation Data

We may incorporate available porosity-permeability and saturation data (pks) in order to graphically demonstrate the relationship between rock-type/lithofacies/depofacies and reservoir quality.

Fractures

We can document fracture type (extension vs shear), aperture size, mineral fill, porosity within fractures, density, intensity, orientation and determine the stress field in your area of interest. After having described fractures we can provide a diagnosis whether fractures might influence production from your wells. If this is the case, we then recommend a detailed fracture study. Our specialization is restricted to sedimentology and stratigraphy. But we can align you with the right contacts for detailed fracture studies for increasing production from your fractured reservoirs.

Thin-Section Description (Microfacies) for Carbonates and Shale 

We can either come by your office and describe prepared thin-sections there, or receive your samples by mail, or in extreme cases we can look at high-resolution digitized thin-sections. Depending on specific company goals we can use these data to construct sequence stratigraphic models, depositional models, or characterize your reservoir in terms of porosity types. The finished product you will receive can be a well-illustrated report or a stratigraphic column with respective environments of deposition. Reports can include:

  • Environments of Deposition
  • Sequence Stratigraphy
  • Pore Types
  • Microfractures
  • Benthic Foraminiferal biostratigraphy
  • Microfacies
  • Diagenesis

Our location

Our headquarters are twenty minutes away from downtown Denver and half an hour from the largest core facility in the United States. Or field office in Ouray allows us quick access to world-class outcrops in Utah and New Mexico.

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