Surface to subsurface correlation of the Middle-Upper Triassic Shublik Formation within a revised sequence stratigraphic framework

Interpretation
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Abstract

Recent work on cores and outcrops of the Middle-Upper Triassic Shublik Formation has facilitated surface to subsurface correlation of depositional sequences across the Alaska North Slope. Five transgressive-regressive depositional sequences have been defined within three large-scale stratigraphic units. Outcrop spectral gamma-ray (GR) profiles were used to correlate observed stacking patterns with nearby exploration wells, and GR logs from 161 exploration wells were used to correlate the three large-scale stratigraphic units across the North Slope and nearby offshore. Interpretations of depositional facies and sequence stratigraphy in cores from 26 wells were used to corroborate regional correlations. Isochore maps constructed for each of the three stratigraphic units illustrate the influence of accommodation on depositional patterns and suggest reactivation of several older tectonic elements during Shublik deposition. An isochore map of the richest, oil-prone interval of the Shublik Formation reveals a thick pod south of Harrison Bay, the eastern part of which lies beneath a recent giant Shublik-sourced oil discovery in the Cretaceous Nanushuk Formation. In addition, when integrated with thermal maturity, this isochore map may provide leads for areas that are optimal for unconventional resource exploration.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Surface to subsurface correlation of the Middle-Upper Triassic Shublik Formation within a revised sequence stratigraphic framework
Series title Interpretation
DOI 10.1190/INT-2019-0195.1
Volume 8
Issue 2
Year Published 2020
Language English
Publisher Society of Exploration Geophysicists, American Association of Petroleum Geologists
Contributing office(s) Eastern Energy Resources Science Center
Description 16 p.
First page SJ1
Last page SJ16
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial North Slope
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