Constraining stratal architecture and pressure barriers in the subsalt Karachaganak Carboniferous carbonate platforms using forward stratigraphic modelling

Predicting reservoir quality and pressure barriers is a challenging task in carbonate systems. In this paper, we present new model results from the Lower Carboniferous Serpukhovian carbonates in the Karachaganak Field (Northern Kazakhstan), which is characterized by complex facies architectures and reservoir compartmentalization. The Serpukhovian sequence at Karachaganak is poorly imaged by seismic due to the presence of thick Permian salt canopies. The carbonate sequence comprises two carbonate build-ups: a larger Main build-up (MBU) in the eastern portion of the field, and a smaller isolated Western build-up (WBU). We used diffusion-based DionisosFlow forward stratigraphic modeling (FSM) coupled with a CougarFlow sensitivity analysis workflow to (1) review sub-salt seismic horizon picks based on process-modeling constraints, (2) understand the regional controls on the stratigraphic stacking …