Understanding thin beds within the Bazhenov formation using seismic modeling

The Bazhenov formation (Bazhen) is a nonconventional reservoir with a very high resource potential. According to different estimates, the resources of the Bazhenov formation equal 23-160 billion bbl. Currently, only about 35 million bbl have been produced from Bazhen, which is a rather low production rate in comparison with the resource potential. The reason is the insufficient number of detailed surveys on the formation and the absence of efficient production technologies. The analog of Bazhen is the Bakken formation located in North America. This formation is being actively developed due to the presence of carbonated and sand layers in Middle Bakken. Its development strategy is horizontal well drilling and multi-stage fracturing. The thickness of the carbonated and sand layers in Bazhen are about 0.5-3 m and they cannot be identified by seismic surveys, like in Bakken, as their thickness is smaller than the seismic resolution itself. The distribution of the carbonated layer within the analyzed license areas was estimated by 2D forward seismic modeling. Fractures in well K-1 were determined as planetary fractures. The paleomagnetic investigation determined the nature of these fractures.