Publications

Indonesia contains many rift basins. Several of them, have unexplored potential such as fluvial stratigraphic play. Understanding processes that control morphology evolution is crucial and become a key success factor to delineate fluvial reservoir geometry and its related petroleum system components. The aim of this study is to introduce fluvial morphology experiment associated to base-level changes using Stream Table Experimental Landscape (STEX). Moreover, current result provides stratigraphic features that serve as an analog to subsurface interpretation (eq. well-to-well correlation, seismic geomorphology). Experiment results revealed that during transgressive event, base-level shifts to the landward, hence restrain the fluvial erosion and produces high sinuosity (meandering). Moreover, active deposition of transgressive sediments in the downstream area creates a high width-depth ratio of channel morphology. Highstand event contributes to development of medium sinuosity, and moderate channel morphology in both upstream and downstream areas. Lastly, the subsequent base-level fall (lowstand) will create a straight to slightly sinous, deep, and narrow channel morphology. This succession is interpreted to produce best reservoir potential, composed of bedload sediments with amalgamated and incised channels geometries. Transgressive and highstand deposit would provide good seal integrity of sediments, despite it may not be extensively distributed. The flood plain facies consider as the most effective seal of this setting. Together, STEX offers a fast and efficient method to leverage our understanding with regards to such complex fluvial system. The application of this tool conveys fundamental, yet critical information that significantly could improve existing fluvial-related play concept as well as providing new insights towards future hydrocarbon exploration.