Sequence Stratigraphy and Petrophysical Study for the Morrow Sandstones in the Delaware Basin

This study was designed to address current problems that operators are encountering in the exploration, development, and formation evaluation of these complicated Morrow sandstone reservoirs in Lea and Eddy Counties. The project provides operators with important geological, reservoir rock property data and interpretations gathered from recent drilling activity and incorporates technological advancements that the industry has experienced during the last two decades. The project objectives are as follows:

  • Develop a regional sequence stratigraphic model of the Morrow Formation to aid companies in identifying the regional distribution of the various Morrow sandstone reservoirs.
  • Develop a depositional and reservoir architectural model of Morrow Sandstones for an improved success rate of delineation wells.
  • Improve formation evaluation by identifying the various Morrow reservoir rock types in core and measuring the petrophysical properties.
  • Improve operator’s ability to predict the productivity of Morrow Sandstones by integrating the core-measured petrophysical properties, well log data, and well production test data.
  • Evaluate current drilling and completion methods and determine the compatibility of the various drilling and completion fluids with Morrow Sandstones.

The project has been divided into two separate but concurrent studies.

SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHIC STUDY – This portion to the study utilizes the sedimentological analysis of numerous conventional cores in identifying depositional facies, parasequences, and major stratigraphic surfaces. These data are correlated to well logs and presented in cross sections to define the sequence stratigraphy of the Morrow Formation on a regional basis.

RESERVOIR PETROPHYSICAL PROPERTIES – This portion focuses on identifying the various reservoir rock types, measured petrophysical properties, and integrating the data with well logs and well test data.

Companies may participate in the Sequence Stratigraphy Database and/or in the Reservoir Petrophysical Properties Database.

  • Forty-three (43) wells
  • Conventional core
  • Lea and Eddy Counties, New Mexico