Publications

Chemostratigraphy uses geochemical data to characterise and correlate sedimentary strata. The value of the technique has been recognised as long ago as the 1930’s, but its application was limited up until relatively recently due to the lack of accurate, precise and rapid turnaround analytical instruments. With the development of modern instrumentation and data processing technology it is now possible to rapidly quantify over 40 elements in a range of different sample types including cores and cuttings. These posters illustrate the techniques involved in producing elemental data and the capabilities of the technology. Presented in this case study is the results and conclusions of a chemostratigraphic study undertaken on the Late Miocene successions encountered in five wells of the Belud complex located on the outboard belt of NW Borneo basin, offshore Sabah. The study intervals of the wells consist of unconsolidated silty claystones with silty sandstone bodies, a mixture of deep water and slope deposits. The initial aim of the study was to provide a correlation of successions in geochemical terms and then to establish chemostratigraphic zonations for the study wells. Following this, the individual sand bodies associated with reservoir horizons were identified and there continuity determined across the northern section of the study area. The chemsotratigraphic zonation was established across the study area providing a high resolution correlation framework. Further to this the properties of the individual sand bodies was established and their relationship to the seismic * Chemostrat ** Petronas Carigali *** HESS model. Sand body continuity was confirmed over a regional high and the provenance changes of the sands established. Changes in provenance in relation to well location established that some of the sand bodies were likely sourced from a different turbidite lobe.