Iraq Petroleum Systems

An ArcGIS-enabled study and interactive toolkit

Project Details - September 2011

Iraq is credited with 136 Bbbls oil and 108 Tcf gas (3P, Verma et al, 2004) in 84 fields, with 17 additional discoveries of undeclared reserves. Resources are clustered at particular geological horizons ranging in age from Ordovician to Pliocene. This distribution is dictated by particular source-reservoir-seal- combinations and defines a number of distinct petroleum systems.

Lynx Information Systems, Integrated Geochemical Interpretation (IGI), and David Boote Consulting are collaborating on this study.

A comprehensive analysis of each petroleum system (based on source) and detailed mapping of discrete play fairways (based on reservoir) are undertaken, using a logical methodology described by the workflow diagram below.

The results of the analysis are presented in two forms:

• An 8-section report in PDF format (outlined here), providing an extensive, illustrated body of knowledge to support the findings of the study.
• The dynamic aspect of each petroleum system is mapped and manipluated via an ArcGIS toolkit which links to Zetaware Genesis and Trinity T3 models underpinned by IGI's p:IGI-3 geochemical database.

This dynamic deliverable can be used by oil-company geoscientists to leverage their own unique interpretations, and may be adapted, integrated with other data, and disseminated throughout their organisation. Lynx has already trialled the major aspects of this approach in a recently completed study.

A section of the report also addresses the 12 exploration blocks on offer in January 2012.

The ArcGIS toolkit also allows the geoscientist to perform Common Risk Segment mapping, combining results in order to rank and risk multiple play elements and so develop and assess new play concepts. Given the numerous combinations, a selection of CRS maps will be included with the study results. The toolkit allows each client to develop unique mapping.

Lynx's ArcGIS Tools for visualising geological data are included in the package (1-year licence).

The study is already in progress and significant parts are complete. The release date is set for 1 December 2011.

Geoscientists working on the 4th Iraqi Licensing Round will find this study indispensible for furthering their understanding of petroleum systems in the region. This unique product provides a dynamic framework for evolving their own play concepts.

Purchasers are responsible for their own licences for ArcGIS Desktop, Zetaware Genesis and Trinity T3

Please contact us for more details, and check our blog for details of project progress.