Executive Summary and Prospectus for 2016

Charles Kerans and Robert Loucks Co-Principal Investigators

Bureau of Economic GeologyScott W. Tinker, Director

John A. and Katherine G. Jackson School of GeosciencesThe University of Texas at Austin

Austin, Texas 78713-8924

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Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory

Research Plans for 2016

Outcrop and Subsurface Characterization of Carbonate Reservoirs for Improved Recovery of Remaining Hydrocarbons

Charles Kerans1, 2 and Robert Loucks1 Co-Principal Investigators

Research Staff

Xavier Janson Josh Lambert F. Jerry Lucia Harry Rowe

Christopher Zahm

1Bureau of Economic Geology – Scott W. Tinker, Director 2Department of Geological Sciences

Jackson School of Geosciences The University of Texas at Austin

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Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory Research Plans for 2016

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ................................................................................................................... 1

FUNDING ......................................................................................................................................... 1

RCRL PROGRAM ............................................................................................................................. 2

Research Interests........................................................................................................................... 3

Information Transfer ....................................................................................................................... 3

General ...................................................................................................................................... 3

Porosity and Permeability of GOM database………………………………………………………………………..3

Workshops and Field courses ................................................................................................... 4

Interaction with RCRL ............................................................................................................... 4

RCRL Graduate Student Mentoring and Thesis Supervision..................................................... 5

RESEARCH PROGRAM FOR 2016 .................................................................................................... 6

Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 6

Platform Scale Stratigraphy and Geomorphology .......................................................................... 7

Platform-to-Basin Architecture of Lower Permian Carbonates in the Glass Mountains ......... 7

Cretaceous Carbonate Platform: Regional Framework and Link to Aptian Ramp and Albian

Intrashelf Basin ................................................................................................................................ 8

Miocene Carbonate Platform in the Mut and Adana Basins, South Turkey ................................... 8

Tertiary Temperate to Tropical Platform of the NW Shelf of Australia ........................................... 9

Morphometric Analysis of Carbonate Slope Deposits ..................................................................... 9

Reservoir Architecture and Intra-Play Evolution .......................................................................... 10

Integrated Stratigraphic and Structural Framework of the Guadalupe Mountains ............... 11

Syndepositional Faulting and Stratigraphic Architecture, Seven Rivers and Yates Fms ........ 11

Shelf-Interior Mixed Evaporite-Carbonate-Siliciclastic System of the Permian Seven Rivers

Formation in the Rocky Arroyo Area, New Mexico ................................................................ 12

Reservoir Characterization of the Lower Permian (Clear Fork) Reservoir.............................. 13

Architecture and Seismic Signature of Cyclic Carbonate-Siliciclastic Reservoirs, West Texas

Central Basin Platform ............................................................................................................ 14

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Documentation of Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Segovia Large-Scale Microbial Mounds and

Associated Rudist Mounds ...................................................................................................... 14

Strandplain Grainstone Depositional Patterns, Rock Property Evolution and Fracture

Systems on Steep-Rimmed Carbonate Margins, West Caicos, TCI Platform, BWI ................. 15

Pore Network Characterization and Petrophysical Analysis ........................................................ 16

Origin and Petrophysics of Tight Limestone and Dolomite Reservoirs ......................................... 16

Micro-CT-Scan and Other Ultrahigh-Resolution Analysis of Micropores in Carbonates ........ 17

Upper Cretaceous Buda and Austin Chalks Regional Study ................................................... 17

Structural and Geomechanical Characterization .......................................................................... 18

Geomechanical Property Evolution in Carbonate Systems .................................................... 19

Effect of pore type on dynamic and static mechanical moduli .............................................. 19

Refinement of handheld tools for geomechanical and acoustic property characterization . 20

Characterization and modeling of natural, early-formed fracture systems ........................... 20

Influence of Pre-existing Structural Fabric on Reservoir-Scale Fracture Development—

Maverick and Permian Basins ................................................................................................. 21

Collaborative Research Project for Karst and Fracture Characterization and Modeling of

Evaporite Paleokarst Systems—Examples from the Kirschberg, Madison and Grosmont .... 22

Geochemical-Chemostratigraphic Analysis of Carbonate Systems .............................................. 23

Chemolithostratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous Buda and Austin Chalk ............................ 23

Reservoir quality, isotope and chemostratigraphy of OAE-1B ............................................... 23

Research in carbonate chemofacies methodologies .............................................................. 24

Age constraints of modern facies West Caicos ....................................................................... 24

SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................. 26

APPENDIX A: ACTIVE AND RECENT RCRL STUDENTS .................................................... 27

APPENDIX B: RECENT RCRL PUBLICATIONS ..................................................................... 30

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Table

1. 2015 RCRL Sponsors .................................................................................................................... 2

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Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory

Research Plans for 2016

Outcrop and Subsurface Characterization of Carbonate Reservoirs for Improved Recovery of Remaining Hydrocarbons

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Reservoir Characterization Research Laboratory (RCRL) for carbonate studies is an industrial research consortium run by the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG) and the Department of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, at The University of Texas at Austin (UT). RCRL’s mission is to use outcrop and subsurface geologic, geophysical, and petrophysical data from carbonate reservoir strata as the basis for developing new and integrated methodologies and concepts to better explain and describe the 3D reservoir environment and improve hydrocarbon recovery factors. In addition to this research mission, RCRL is dedicated to technology transfer and education, and consistently offers state-of-the-art training in the form of short courses, field seminars, in-house reviews of selected assets, and extensive graduate student supervision and guided research.

FUNDING We invite your company to participate in the continuation of the RCRL Carbonate Reservoirs Research Program for 2016. A list of recent sponsors is presented in Table 1. In 2016, the annual RCRL Industrial Associates contribution to the program will continue to be $55,000 per year. To encourage sponsors to commit to a 2-year agreement so that we can better plan a longer-range research program and reduce the time and effort in securing agreements, we can offer a 2-year (2016 and 2017) rate of $50,000 per year. The agreement would be such that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) would be signed agreeing to a 2-year commitment, and payment would be due at the beginning of each year.

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RCRL PROGRAM

The RCRL program has existed continuously since 1987, maintaining strong company sponsorship each year (Table 1). In 2015, 27 companies supported RCRL research (Table 1).

Anadarko Devon OXY Shell Apache ENXP Petrobras Statoil

BG International

ExxonMobil PetroChina BGP Talisman BHP Husky PetroChina HRIG US Entercorp

Cenovus Ion Pioneer Whiting Chevron JAPEX Repsol Wintershall

ConocoPhillips Kinder Morgan Saudi Aramco Table 1. 2015 RCRL Sponsors Principal Staff

Dr. Charles Kerans, Goldhammer Chair of Carbonate Geology, DGS, Principal Investigator Dr. Robert Loucks, Senior Research Scientist, Principal Investigator Mr. F. Jerry Lucia, Senior Research Scientist, Geological Engineer Dr. Xavier Janson, Research Scientist, Geologist Dr. Christopher Zahm, Research Scientist Associate V, Geologist Dr. Harry Rowe, Research Scientist, Isotope Geochemist Mr. Donald Brooks, Rock Mechanics Technician Mr. Josh Lambert, Research Technician Ms. Stephaine Lane, Project Coordinator

Associate Staff

Dr. Gregory Frébourg, Research Associate, Geologist Dr. Sheng Peng, Research Associate, Geologist Dr. Steve Ruppel, Senior Research Scientist, Geologist Dr. Hongliu Zeng, Senior Research Scientist, Geophysicist

Staff members have had extensive industry experience or have worked closely with industry, and they are continually striving to be familiar with the challenges and questions facing development geoscientists and engineers. We are also proud of our graduate students (Appendix A) associated with RCRL, which include several award-winning students. Most of our graduated students are now working in industry research, production and exploration roles.

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2016 RESEARCH INTEREST The RCRL group has unique expertise that addresses various research questions in carbonate shelf to basin systems and at scale of investigation from nanopores to basin architecture. The 2016 RCRL research program consist of: (1) Platform-Scale Stratigraphy; (2) Reservoir Architecture and Intra-Play Evolution; (3) Structural and Geomechanical Characterization; (4) Pore Network Characterization; and (5) Geochemical and Chemostratigraphic Analysis of Carbonate Systems. Research questions for each theme are developed using both subsurface and outcrop analogs. We emphasize quantifying what we observe so that our research is applicable to reservoir models and valuable in providing predictive relationships and conceptual tools for reservoir characterization. Our research focus areas, themes, and topics have been developed out of our experience and feedback from our sponsorship.

INFORMATION TRANSFER

Our industrial sponsors receive research results at annual review meetings, in short courses, during mentoring activities, in publications, and on our continually updated, members-only RCRL website database (http://www.beg.utexas.edu/rcrl/ members/). This online searchable database allows us to protect your investment in our collective research and makes previously presented material easy to locate and download from anywhere in the world. Each company has a unique identification logon and password, which are renewed each year of sponsorship. This database contains digital presentations, including archived video and annotated presentations, developed maps, core photos, porosity and permeability data, digital-outcrop reservoir models, core workshop guidebooks, and field trip guidebooks from past and current RCRL field trips. New Gulf of Mexico Porosity and Permeability Database A new aspect of the database added this year is a carbonate reservoir-quality database based on approximately 10,000 core-plug porosity and permeability analyses from the Jurassic and Cretaceous strata of the Gulf of Mexico. The data will be searchable by geographic location, formation, lithology, depth, temperature, etc. Users can plot simple scatter grams for visual inspection and the selected data can be transferred to an Excel sheet for further statistical analysis. This will be available at http://www.beg.utexas.edu/rcrl/ members/

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Workshops and Field Seminar In addition to the Annual Review Meeting and associated Field Trip and Core Workshop, we will be offering a training workshop in Spring 2016 in Austin. This workshop will be interactive and utilize subsurface data, including seismic, well logs and core, along with applicable outcrop analogs to emphasize applications of key elements that have been developed by RCRL over the past two and half decades. We intend to run the workshop May 9-13, 2016. Topics for the workshop will be determined by the interests of the sponsor companies, which will be solicited before the end of 2015. Member companies are encouraged to send staff or teams for all of the modules covered in the short course as there is no enrollment fee. Sponsor Interactions with RCRL Staff RCRL makes a concerted effort to interact with sponsors during the year through company-specific discussions and short-term projects to help transfer research results into their exploration and production workflow. Over the last several years, RCRL researchers have visited numerous U.S. domestic and international companies. In the past year we have traveled to companies or hosted groups in Austin.

In 2015 Charlie Kerans focused on developing new models of Permian Basin reservoirs, presenting at the WTGS regarding stratigraphic traps in San Andres-Grayburg reservoirs, working with Steve Ruppel to construct a new regional stratigraphic model that links Delaware and Midland Basin geology, and working with OXY USA on specific Permian datasets. In addition, field courses were run with Whiting in the Queen Formation outcrop and in the San Andres-Grayburg-Yates-Tansill shelf-crest grainstone systems with Husky.

Bob Loucks worked with a number of companies including giving a lecture on pore networks in tight carbonates reservoirs to Devon, summarizing the depositional history of the Clear Fork Formation in the Goldsmith field for OXY, providing a characterization of several Buda cores in south Texas for US Enercorp, interaction on the Three Forks dolomite in North Dakota with Statoil, and reviewing Lower Cretaceous on-shelf carbonates in the Glen Rose in the East Texas Basin with EOG.

Chris Zahm and Xavier Janson meet with Statoil to discuss rock property data in carbonate systems, hosted teleconferences with Baker Hughes on ongoing research projects within RCRL. Chris Zahm has visited with Whiting and BHP on company specific fracture modeling efforts and

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connected with several sponsor companies that are now employing handheld rock properties devices.

If your company has an interest in developing a cooperative project with members of the RCRL staff, we would like to hear from you. These cooperative projects, in which RCRL and company staff learns together through hands-on data analysis of real production data and issues, are essential to maintenance of the real-world relevance of our group. In addition, access to data that can be worked on, as well as presented, is imperative.

RCRL Graduate Student Mentoring and Thesis Supervision

RCRL has produced a significant number of graduates with advanced degrees in carbonates that are now working in industry. Charles Kerans, a professor in the Department of Geological Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, holds the Robert K. Goldhammer Chair in Carbonate Geology. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate carbonates courses. Xavier Janson, Jerry Lucia, Chris Zahm, Steve Ruppel, Harry Rowe, Gregory Frebourg, and Bob Loucks all teach or have taught courses in the Jackson School, and several are on the Graduate Studies Committee. Students obtain comprehensive training in carbonate systems working on RCRL projects and interacting with RCRL professional staff. Each student presents his or her work at the Annual Review Meeting, which is an opportunity for sponsors to get to know students and consider them for possible future employment. A list of recent and active students is presented in Appendix A.

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RESEARCH PROGRAM FOR 2016

INTRODUCTION A hallmark of the RCRL research program is its unique combination of recognizing subsurface characterization challenges that can be improved by the use of well-defined outcrop analogs and a breadth of subsurface characterization experience that is brought to bear on problems important to sponsors of the program. In the 28 years of RCRL research on carbonate systems, technical methods have been developed that populate the sequence stratigraphic framework with reservoir-flow properties so as to improve hydrocarbon recovery. Yet many challenges still exist within carbonate reservoirs, especially in the area of integration of nonmatrix pore systems (e.g., fractures and karst), pore-network-related diagenesis (e.g., micropores/tight carbonate reservoirs), and the realistic three-dimensional variability of lithofacies distribution. We think that the research challenges that remain have the best chance of being solved when they are incorporated into the overarching stratigraphic architecture that provides the fundamental framework of the reservoir characterization process. The 2016 RCRL research program consists of the five broad research areas, including: (1) Platform Scale Stratigraphy and Geomorphology, (2) Reservoir Architecture and Intra-Play Evolution, (3) Structural and Geomechanical Characterization, (4) Pore Network Characterization, (5) Geochemical and Chemostratigraphic Analysis of Carbonate Systems. Research questions and anticipated products for each theme are developed using both subsurface and outcrop analogs. Our research-focus areas, themes, and topics have been developed out of our experience and feedback from our sponsorship.

A presentation of our 2016 Research Program can be found on our publically available website: http://www.beg.utexas.edu/rcrl/

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Platform Scale Stratigraphy and Geomorphology

A cornerstone to RCRL research is the integration of detailed reservoir characterization into large-scale stratigraphic architecture. At this scale, several long-term research themes have been developed, including: (1) the influence of large-scale climate forcing on the platform geometry, large scale stratigraphic architecture, style of high-frequency cyclicity and the impact on reservoir facies distribution and heterogeneities; (2) studying factors that driving Cenozoic platform growth, drowning and intra-shelf basin formations and the associate stratigraphic architecture; (3) the influence of tectonic and antecedent topography on carbonates platform initiation, evolution and stratigraphic architecture; (4) the stratigraphic architectures of deep-water slope carbonates and their impact on sediment delivery to the basin; and (5) the study of the interaction of progradational, steep-rimmed platforms and its genetically-linked syndepositional faults and fractures.

Platform-to-Basin Architecture of Lower Permian Carbonates in the Glass Mountains

Effort and Products: Xavier Janson and Chris Zahm will be the main investigators for the Platform-to-Basin Architecture of the Lower Permian from the Glass Mountains, including the development of an improved high-resolution stratigraphic framework that includes the influence of tectonic elements in the Southern Permian Basin. This study aims to increase our knowledge of carbonate platform evolution and the associated potential reservoir distribution associated with compressional tectonic and foreland basin evolution and should be of interest for companies that produce reservoirs or explore in similar settings. The outcome of this work will be beneficial to companies that work in the unconventional reservoirs of the southern Delaware Basin that are interested in understanding the origin and architecture of the shelf-sourced sediments being delivered to the basin.

The Glass Mountain outcrops are located in the southern part of the Delaware Basin, just in front of the terminal thrust of the Marathon orogenic belt near the Hovey Channel. They are therefore critical to an understanding of the regional paleogeography and the stratigraphic evolution of the southern Permian Basin. Our long-term goals are to establish a well-constrained tectono-stratigraphic framework in the southern Delaware Basin and compare it with the well-established framework of the Hueco, Sierra Diablo, and Guadalupe Mountains. Because of the paleogeographic and tectonic setting, these outcrops also provide a unique opportunity to gain an understanding of the development of carbonate platforms, slopes, and basin architecture in an active compressional tectonic setting. With this regional picture in mind, we have 1 to 5 year goals that intend to: (1) understand and unravel the combined tectonic and eustatic influence on the stratigraphic architecture of the Lower Permian mixed carbonate-siliciclastic system; (2) evaluate the influence of a northward-migrating thrust front on the carbonate-platform architecture; (3) characterize the controls of platform development,

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margin geometry and trajectory, and the characteristics of the slope system for delivery of deepwater sediments to the basin; (4) expand our models of carbonate slopes by including examples of carbonate-slope architecture in an active tectonic setting; and (5) attempt to understand the regional paleogeography and its control of Capitanian reef development.

Cretaceous Carbonate Platform: Regional Framework and Link to Aptian Ramp and Albian Intrashelf Basin Effort and Products: Charlie Kerans, Bob Loucks, Harry Rowe, Peter Soto-Kerans (MSc. Student), and Jeffrey Sitgreaves (MSc. Student) will be the main investigators for this study. Answers to questions such as” What is the origin of intrashelf basins?”, “Where within the intrashelf basin stratigraphy can we predict the highest accumulation of organic-rich facies?”, “What are the relative cyclicities and geochemical signatures for correlation potential and how can these be used to improve the high-resolution stratigraphy? The value of this work will be seen by those working the East Texas and Maverick Basins in particular, and intrashelf basins in general, where the detailed stratigraphy of these systems is now being carefully examined to high-grade potential reservoir trends. The regional framework project has been scaled back in order to match the shift in project emphasis to the Maverick Basin outcrop and the late Albian development of the Maverick Intrashelf Basin. In 2015 3D digital photogrammetry, six detailed measured sections, and petrographic and geochemical samples were taken from this profile and now form the focus of this effort. Depending on success of the recon work, we plan to add additional vertical geochemical profiles that may assist in documenting the drivers of platform drowning and intrashelf basin formation. We hope to be able to make comparisons with the East Texas Basin profiles that are the focus of Loucks and Soto-Kerans work on the Glen Rose, but this link it still tentative because timing of intrashelf basin formation in the East Texas Basin is not synchronous with the Maverick Basin. The East Texas Basin study will emphasize potential unconventional resource trends. Miocene Carbonate Platform in the Mut and Adana Basins, South Turkey

Effort and Products: Xavier Janson and Prof. Kemal Gurbuz from Cukurova University in Adana are the main investigators. 2016 products will be a set of representative regional cross-sections from both basins including the transition zone and collection of a regional sample set for biostratigraphy and strontium isotope stratigraphy to update the existing chronostratigraphic framework. This project provides a good analogue for companies developing or exploring for Tertiary reservoirs in Far East Asia. In addition, the comparison of the stratigraphic architecture between two adjacent basins with different tectonic history provides a reference model for explorationists.

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In 2014, we started a long-term effort (2 to 5 years) of investigating both the Mut Basin and the Adana basin in south-central Turkey. This area shows exceptionally well-preserved seismic scale geometry of attached and isolated carbonate platforms. Both basins developed during a period of tectonic quiescence between two compressive events linked to the Alpine orogeny and the initiation of the modern “escape tectonics” that form the Taurus Mountains. Both basins have extensive Lower Miocene carbonate development, but the Mut Basin was slowly subsiding whereas the Adana basin developed over a much steeper antecedent topography with a higher subsidence rate. A diffuse fault zone that accommodates the difference in subsidence separates the two basins. As a result, this area enables a detailed comparison between the stratigraphic architecture of icehouse carbonate systems forming along different tectonic gradients. Initial results shows that the slowly subsiding intra-mountain Mut basin favor the growth of thick 10-25 km wide attached Miocene platform with episode of strong basinward progradation and almost a complete infill of the deep intra-mountain basin whereas the strongly subsiding Adana Basin show a narrow (1-5 km) attached platform that developed on a highly irregular topography which creates large shelf top basin relief. The high accommodation was not filled enough to allow significant progradation of the margin and thus the overall architecture is mostly backstepping. In addition, there is a transition zone between the Mut and Adana Basin that shows intermediate geometry between this two end members where the platforms shows large-scale backstepping architecture but with pronounced basinward progradation at the smaller scale. In 2016, we will build a set of representative regional cross-sections from both basins including the transition zone and collect a regional sample set for biostratigraphy and strontium isotope stratigraphy to update the existing chronostratigraphic framework.

Tertiary Temperate to Tropical Platform of the NW Shelf of Australia

Effort and Products: Xavier Janson with support from Chris Zahm will interpret the 3D seismic. Products will consists of stratigraphic cross-sections and geomorphologic maps at the regional scale. The results of this research will benefit explorationists that investigate carbonate reservoir development at the large scale (>500 km scale) along continental shelves and will provide a reference case on regional factors that control the variability on carbonate platform developments. In addition, the analysis of the individual high resolution dataset will provides a database of quantified geometrical and stratigraphic attributes that represent the style and amount of heterogeneities that one may find but not be able to image in older and/or deeper isolated icehouse carbonate platforms.

We have acquired through the Australian government an extensive public seismic dataset that covers a large portion of the NW Australian shelf including data in the Carnavon, Canning, Browse, and Bonaparte Basins. The dataset consists of more than 100, 3D seismic datasets and an extensive 2D regional seismic grid. These basins have an extensive temperate to subtropical prograding shelf system that is overlain by several tropical rimmed shelves. In 2015, we

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investigated the seismic architecture and geomorphology of those platforms at the tens to several hundreds of km scale in the Browse Basin. The initial results shows that there is a significant along-strike variability of the carbonate platforms at that scale that seems to be controlled mostly by antecedent topography from deeper structural elements and potentially also by regional oceanographic current patterns on the continental shelf. In 2016, we are planning to extend the regional investigation to the south toward the Canning and Carnaveron Basins, in order to gain an even larger scale (> 500km along strike) perspective of those Tertiary carbonate platforms. We are anticipating a latitudinal effect at this scale in addition to the tectonic and regional current control. At the smaller scale, we are planning to extract more quantified geometric information such as shapes, dimensions, slope angle, slope height, P/A ratio, seismic facies proportion within the five stages of platform growth defined in 2015.

Morphometric Analysis of Carbonate Slope Deposits Effort and Products: Xavier Janson will lead this compilation effort. Product will consists of a database of geometric and geological characteristic associated with various cross plot and diagram to highlight to relationship between morphometric and geological parameters. This dataset should be uses as a dimensional database for explorationists assessing the potential of slope and basinal carbonate reservoirs and should be of great values for risk-analysis in those settings.

The global shift from platform carbonate reservoirs to slope and basin systems drives research into a deeper understanding of the relationships that link the two systems. The RCRL group has examined slope systems in detail and we recognize the need to improve understanding between geologic drivers and the morphometry of slope deposits. In 2016, we are plan to update and expand the RCRL Slope Atlas and Database by integrating the quantified morphometric analysis of bathymetric data that was highlighted in the 2014 RCRL Annual Meeting as well as subsurface data from the NW Shelf of Australia. Besides relevant geometric parameters of both confined and unconfined systems, we are planning to integrate existing slope and pelagic sediment information collected from decade of oceanographic cruise into our database in order to gain a better understanding of the grain type, texture, and potential primary pore system associated with these deep water carbonate sediments.

Reservoir Architecture and Intra-Play Evolution

The dynamics of platform-to-slope transitions, including characteristics and width of key facies tracts, density of syndepositional and later reactivated fractures, scale of margin collapse, development of growth faulting and fracturing vs. extensive collapse, timing and drivers for collapse and debris-flow megabreccia generation, and associated changes in permeability pathways, are critical to an understanding reservoir performance. Work continues in refining

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the Guadalupian model through field work in the Seven Rivers-Yates shelf to shelf-margin transition and through documenting one of the larger exposure events during Capitan deposition. The Glass Mountain section permits study of shelf-to-basin transitions across a wide range of structural settings which are Wolfcampian through Leonardian age. Several Permian case studies of subsurface data which incorporate core, well logs and 3D seismic will be featured in 2016. Moving up the geologic timescale, a new Albian-age microbial mound characterization will add to the diverse Texas Cretaceous architecture and more results from West Caicos will provide a setting for research on both architecture of shelf-edge grainstones and for characterizing the steep-rimmed margin of the Caicos platform. Integrated Stratigraphic and Structural Framework of the Guadalupe Mountains

Effort and Products: Two graduate students are the main drivers of this work, Ben Smith (PhD) and Kris Voorhees (MSc). Charlie Kerans will also measure sections with the group in the field. All necessary base data are in hand. Products will include detailed sequence-scale dip sections emphasizing the role of syndepositional deformation and magnitude/character of shelf-crest facies and associated sequence-bounding exposure events.

The Guadalupe Mountains remain a key laboratory for our research and training in the stratigraphy and structural attributes of steep-rimmed platforms. Study of the interaction of a prograding, steep-rimmed platform (Capitan system) and its genetically linked syndepositional faults and fractures remains a high priority for 2016. During 2015 Ph.D. aspirant Ben Smith and MSc. student Kris Voorhees along with colleagues collected spectacular Gigapan photograph of the main north wall of McKittrick that, coupled with the airborne lidar data, continues to reveal important structural data as well as stratigraphic information. The key value of this research is that the Seven Rivers-Yates interval at North Ward Estes is a direct analog for the Seven Rivers/Yates section here. A better understanding of the controls on sandstone-carbonate interplay that will be a focus of this research will aid in understanding reservoir sandstone distribution in time and space. Syndepositional Faulting and Stratigraphic Architecture, Seven Rivers and Yates Formations McKittrick Canyon has always served as the type example of shelf-to-basin geometries and stratigraphic architectures within the Guadalupian system with its record of progradation, its characteristic “fall-in” shelf geometry, and the unique access to both shelf and slope strata. The Seven Rivers Formation will be investigated by Ben Smith (Ph.D.), building on previous work by Scott Tinker and Neil Hurley. The focus of the Seven Rivers will be at the high-frequency sequence scale as did Hurley, but with substantially more interest in the outer shelf. Early results are showing, similar to Harman’s (2012) work that the abundance of syndepositional

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faulting is making the interpretation of simple shelf-to basin geometry difficult to define. This result is important for structural forward modeling work in that the onset of deformation needs to be constrained to allow realistic modeling. Similar to Rattlesnake Canyon, the importance of earlier rigid reef margin facies (in this case the Goat Seep margin) is fundamental in controlling the early-formed faults. Interestingly in the Seven Rivers it appears that a majority of the fault displacement predates Yates deposition, making it Guadalupian in age. As outlined in the 2015 proposal, an important question in the Capitan-equivalent Guadalupian section is the magnitude of eustatic fluctuation and shelf exposure that shapes the high-frequency sequences and containing sequence boundaries. We plan to explore the relationship between the degree of exposure and tepee crest development and the thickness and character of middle shelf sandstone reservoirs. The Triplet sandstones that pond landward of the Hairpin shelf crest are thought to be equivalent to one of the more productive sandstones within North Ward Estes Field on the west side of the Central Basin Platform. To date, sections have focused on the intra-Hairpin characterization, but the top-Hairpin surface as it is developed across the outer shelf to the reef is a key component of this story and will allow quantification of the magnitude of sea-level fall. In 2015 Kris Voorhees collected a series of measured sections and bed-tracings of the Hairpin in McKittrick Canyon and plans to complete this profile and then to study along-strike variability by documenting the Hairpin unit in nearby canyons as far north as Rattlesnake. Ultimately a comparison of the underlying and overlying Yates units and those of the Tansill and Seven Rivers shelf crest complexes will be completed with the goal of gaining a detailed understanding of this facies tract for the first time. Shelf-Interior Mixed Evaporite-Carbonate-Siliciclastic System of the Permian Seven Rivers Formation in the Rocky Arroyo Area, New Mexico Effort and Products: Bob Loucks, Alton Brown (consultant), Chris Zahm, Xavier Janson, and Josh Lambert will participate in this project. The value of this research is to provide a better understanding of the complexity that can be associated with evaporite dissolution within the platform interior. In addition, field observations of diagenetic alterations of the mixed siliciclastic-carbonate system are consistent with subsurface production trends. The major goal of this project in 2016 is to document the regional-scale evaporite dissolution front and associated structural and diagenetic products.

The Seven River Formation in the area of Rocky Arroyo is an excellent field research area for understanding an evaporite paleokarst dissolution front and the associated breccia and residue zones, which may form reservoirs and/or seals in analog reservoirs. The area also contains thick bottom-growth evaporite salina deposits and highly restricted carbonate deposits. Several

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siliciclastic units cut the Seven Rivers section and can be correlated into the subsurface where they are hydrocarbon producing reservoirs. We plan more research in this area to understand the processes that have produced this mixed evaporite-carbonate-siliciclastic system and any potential for reservoir development. We will experiment with hyperspectral analysis to separate out the different lithologies along the outcrop face. Reservoir Characterization of the Lower Permian (Clear Fork) Reservoir Efforts and Products: Bob Loucks and Mark Ulrich (OXY) will be the main investigators for the Goldsmith project with reservoir characterization consisting of core to wireline-log correlations and petrophysical analyses. Xavier Janson will be the main investigator of the Wasson field characterization with Oxy geologist Joseph El Azzi. Products will consist of a detailed seismic-based stratigraphic architecture of the Lower Clear Fork Interval (L2) tied to a core and well-log-based lithofacies scheme. A special effort will be made to investigate the acoustic signature of the reservoir facies to assess the potential of using the seismic data to improve prediction of reservoir architecture. Reservoir Characterization of the Clear Fork Section in the Goldsmith Field on the Central Basin Platform The Clear Fork Formation in the Goldsmith field on the eastern side of the Central Basin Platform has a long producing history and is now under enhanced recovery methods. It is a data-rich field with at least five cores that penetrate much of the section and many shorter cores. Available are modern wireline logs, including spectral logs. Within this thick (>900 ft) carbonate unit are numerous tidal-flat and shoaling-capped cycles. Porosity is relatively low, but the reservoir thickness is high. We plan to characterize the field using wireline logs, cores, 3D seismic data, and petrophysical analyses. We can learn new concepts about the Clear Fork on-shelf strata such as controls of cycles on production, seismic stratal mapping as a tool for understanding reservoir continuity, and the role of organic-rich argillaceous seams as vertical permeability barriers. Stratigraphic architecture and reservoir characterization for producing and potential Lower Permian reservoirs within a Progradational Margin (Wasson Area) In 2016, we will continue to investigate the Lower Clear Fork prograding margin on the east side of the Central Basin Platform using a dataset provided by OXY Permian. Using the regional framework established in 2015, we will investigate in detail the seismic signature of Lowe Clear Fork composite sequence by mapping the seismically resolvable higher frequency sequences at the margin and tying this signature with the shelf-equivalent interval where the majority of the well control is located. The integration of the existing cores and wireline-logs will be used to characterize the platform top-to margin reservoir architecture and existing remaining hydrocarbon potential in the younger clinoform in this already well-developed interval.

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Architecture and Seismic Signature of Cyclic Carbonate-Siliciclastic Reservoirs, West Texas Central Basin Platform Effort and Products: Charlie Kerans will continue the work that he and Jeff Sitgreaves began in 2015, working with Hongliu Zeng and Yawen He to investigate high-resolution seismic response to reservoir facies and stratigraphic heterogeneity. The value of this research will be found in two different products. First, the main focus of this work has always been to develop a fully integrated core through reservoir modeling dataset for training as well as research. The second outcome of significance will be the greater understanding/documentation of the value of 3D seismic at the reservoir scale within high-frequency sequences and cycles of carbonate and mixed carbonate-siliciclastic character. Companies trying to push models of carbonate reservoirs using seismically derived petrophysical parameters will be able to use these results as another example of seismic-rock property integration. Initial work began in 2015 to develop a high-resolution sequence and cycle-scale model of a Grayburg Formation reservoir on the east side of the Central Basin Platform. Sixteen cores totally over 3,000 ft of section, more than 200 well/logs with 56 more complete log suites, and moderate (40 hz) and high-resolution (80 hz?) 3D seismic data sets have assisted in stratigraphic interpretation and modeling. This work represents the basic high-resolution model required for more detailed interrogation of the link between properties such as coherency and impedance and time-stratigraphic surfaces as defined by detailed log correlation. A focused look into core-log-seismic scaling will hopefully better constrain the relative roles of lithostratigraphic impedance variations vs. time-stratigraphic surfaces.

Documentation of Lower Cretaceous (Albian) Segovia Large-Scale Microbial Mounds and Associated Rudist Mounds Effort and Products: Bob Loucks, Greg Frebourg, Peter Soto-Kerans (MSc student), and Josh Lambert are the investigators on this project. The value of this research is to provide a new entry into the growing microbial mound analogs, with a unique look at an Albian-age example that lies within a moderate to high energy carbonate system. This outcrop characterization provides a rare documentation in the Lower Cretaceous of Texas and this case history offers an opportunity for characterize these features and associated strata.

Several outcrops and roadcuts in north-central Texas expose a series of large (up to 3 m) microbial mounds showing concentric growth structures. These are the only known Lower Cretaceous Albian microbial mounds in Texas. This is an excellent opportunity to document microbial mounds for depositional setting, depositional process, and pore networks. Similar features are reservoir is other areas. This is an interesting section as the microbial mounds have moderate-energy-deposited sediments above them that are followed by large caprinid mounds.

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Strandplain Grainstone Depositional Patterns, Rock-Property Evolution and Fracture Systems on Steep-Rimmed Carbonate Margins, West Caicos, TCI Platform, BWI Effort and Products: Charlie Kerans, Chris Zahm, Andrea Nolting (Ph.D. Candidate), Steve Bachtel (Chevron), Harry Rowe, and Nick Danger (MSc) will continue study of the island of West Caicos and the surrounding shelf. In 2015 we will plan to establish a robust chronostratigraphic framework with necessary age dating that will be mapped to the combined topobathy lidar data, document the detailed architecture of the grainstone systems, examine the evolution of mechanical rock properties, and continue geomechanical modeling efforts of shelf-margin failure. Our work on West Caicos is a guidepost for understanding the architecture of icehouse grainstone accumulation patterns, illustrating the complexities that can be imparted into the stratigraphic record through subaerial exposure and lateral accretion of grainstone bodies. The cross-platform understanding of how the shelf margin accretion/collapse process links to the shelf-top grainstone accretion is also a little understood but fundamental to knowledge of how steep-rimmed platforms accrete. In addition, Charlie Kerans, Chris Zahm, Andrea Nolting (PhD candidate), Steve Bachtel (Chevron) and Nick Danger (MSc Candidate) and plan to continue to develop this analog database with the following long-term objectives:

• Establish a robust chronostratigraphic framework to match the now detailed physical stratigraphic model.

• Document the detailed architecture of the Boat Cove grainstone system as an example of a well-developed strandplain grainstone (MSc thesis of Nick Danger)

• Collect rock-mechanical data within the relative chronostratigraphic framework to help develop a more robust input model for finite element modeling of the platform. (PhD study of A. Nolting)

• Create a detailed map of West Caicos keyed to the main stratigraphic intervals now recognized, using newly collected airborne lidar data

• Use Lidar and surface structural mapping to assist in understanding the role of fracture systems in evolution of this steep-rimmed platform through linking collapse features on the margin with the structural grain of the island.

• Conduct forward geomechanical modeling of the margin failure associated with eustatic fluctuations, changes in pore pressure, and mechanical property heterogeneity (Ph.D. project of A. Nolting)

In 2015 all main units of the island have been visited, sampled, and mapped at a moderate level of detail, and all coastal exposures have been mapped at a 1 m resolution. A minimum of 70 samples from the MIS 5e_2 Boat Cove system have been collected and are serving to illustrate along-strike variability. Multiple measurements of compressive strength have been taken from

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the 6 units now mapped across the island, and systematic changes in degree of cementation and dissolution are reflected in the rock strength measurements. A major challenge remains to link the geology of the island outcrops and the marine shelf, reef wall, and slope units, some of which are likely Holocene and some are relic Pleistocene. Danger will be wrapping up the study of West Caicos MIS 5e_2 grainstones in 2016, but Nolting, Zahm, Kerans, and Bachtel will continue to analyze and model the evolution of the island, shelf, and shelf-margin system. Coring is being considered as a possible additional constraint on the West Caicos correlations with a feasibility study planned in late 2015 to early 2016.

Pore Network Characterization and Petrophysical Analysis

Our long term objective is to understand the controls on carbonate pores and pore networks to develop models that predict their distribution and quantity. Specific objectives are to: (1) understand the origin and evolution of pores network as they change through time; (2) relate pore types and reservoir quality to mineralogy, microfabrics, and textures in both conventional and tight carbonate reservoirs; (3) investigate how pore networks may vary within and between specific lithofacies; and (4) quantify and model the effects of pore types on permeability using various imaging and analyses techniques.

Origin and Petrophysics of Tight Limestone and Dolomite Reservoirs Effort and Products: Bob Loucks, Jerry Lucia, Peng Zeng, and Ahmed Hassan (PhD student) are working various parts of this initiative. The origin, predictive distribution, and petrophysical properties of tight carbonate reservoirs have high-potential economic value and there understanding is key to their exploration and exploitation.

We see gas production from “tight” carbonate reservoirs as a significant unconventional resource, with important limestone examples including the Lower Cretaceous Stuart City Trend and Sligo Trend in south Texas, many of the Middle East Lower Cretaceous reservoirs, and Paleozoic dolostone examples including the Clear Fork in the Goldsmith Field, Central Basin Platform. We are now searching for other oil and gas fields that produce from low-permeability limestones to determine how micropores contributor to production. We have so far collected case histories from throughout the stratigraphic column and will dedicate most effort to document case histories from the Paleozoic. An important part of this study is investigating and cataloging of micropore carbonate reservoirs worldwide. In this project, we have defined the types, origins, temporal and spatial distributions, and petrophysical properties of microporous carbonates. We have recently extended our research into dolomites. We have made strong

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progress in defining the origin of different micropores, and now we need to document enough case histories in order to summarize their petrophysical characteristics and how to predict the regional distribution of micropores in limestones and dolomites. Micro-CT-Scan and Other Ultrahigh-Resolution Analysis of Micropores in Carbonates Effort and Products: Peng Sheng is leading this project in cooperation with Bob Loucks and Ahmed Hassan (PhD student). The flow in microporous carbonates containing nanopores and micropores may not be the same as in megapore carbonates. Research is needed to characterize these pore networks at the nano- to microscale and document the flow at these scale with the end-product being up-scaling to reservoir level.

We have initiated a new research effort where we are micro-CT scanning millimeter-sized plugs of microporous carbonates. The 3D scans will be analyzed using FEI’s Avizo Beta 9.0 software that allows us to calculate permeability in multiple directions, simulate flow, outline in 3D the pore networks, and define continuity of pore flow paths. We are also looking at methods of quantifying the effects of micropores in dual pore networks. This includes developing methods of quantifying micropores and their distribution from the thin-section level to the field scale. This will include integrating petrophysical analysis with thin-section point counts to understand the contribution of each pore type. The more regional quantification effort will be based on relating the pores to elements within the facies and how these pore controlling elements vary field wide. Upper Cretaceous Buda and Austin Chalks Regional Study Effort and Products: Bob Loucks, Harry Rowe, Chris Hendrix (MSc candidate), and Evan Sivil comprise the team approaching this project. The Buda and Austin Chalks are important fractured, tight carbonate reservoirs. We are investigation their matrix pore network to understand matrix hydrocarbon contribution and the chemical and mechanical properties to understand brittleness.

The Buda and Austin Chalks are an integral part of the unconventional hydrocarbon system in the Texas part of the Gulf of Mexico and are also genetically and temporally linked to the prolific oil-rich Eagle Ford system. To gain a better understanding of the evolution and demise of these Gulf of Mexico drowned-carbonate platform successions, the RCRL, with cooperation of the BEG STARR Program, has undertaken a multipronged approach to the study of the Buda and Austin Chalks. Depositional patterns of these chalks will be reviewed using existing and new data (measured sections, core descriptions, wireline logs) along a proximal to distal transect so that changes in facies, oxidation, and productivity trends can be examined, along with organic

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richness. Significant work is ongoing in southwest Texas, and we plan to leverage that work to other areas as far to the east as the East Texas Basin. This stratigraphic framework will be coupled with collection of basic data on cores of the Buda and Austin Chalks, including X-ray fluorescence, UCS (unconfined compressive strength), spectral gamma, minipermeameter, and velocity profiles. Petrology, petrography, and SEM analysis to explain grain and pore types are a fundamental dataset that will be used in combination with the associated data. In conjunction with the BEG-STARR program, 3D seismic analysis of fault and fracture corridors and their relationship to production trends will ultimately tie together stratigraphic and structural frameworks, along with petrophysical data and reservoir productivity, so that a more complete understanding of production trends and fairways within this Upper Cretaceous system can be achieved.

Structural and Geomechanical Characterization

The linkage of geomechanical properties to lithofacies and high-frequency stratigraphic cycles has been fundamental to the understanding of fracture distributions within reservoir models. However, carbonate systems are unique depositional systems where lithification of some facies is immediate (e.g., reef) and these lithified, brittle strata are surrounded by lower strength strata creating an immediate mechanical stratigraphy that can be fundamental to both early and subsequent deformation. As later stress changes are applied to carbonate systems, brittle deformation is a common phenomenon that is often dictated by a hierarchical assemblage of mechanical stratigraphy. Understanding the evolution of carbonate geomechanical properties from early lithification through structural deformation (potentially multiphase) is essential for characterizing fracture systems in subsurface reservoirs.

Critical questions that we hope to address over the next five years includes: (1) do facies characteristics (i.e., fabric, texture, mineralogy) control elastic properties in carbonates? (2) To what extent can we link mechanical properties to facies and thus be predictive? (3) What is the distribution and level of heterogeneity of each elastic property within a single facies? (4) What controls heterogeneity of mechanical properties? (5) What are the implications for reservoir characterization? and (6) Can we confidently invert relevant elastic parameters at the seismic scale?

The common tie for each of these research questions is the ability to collect rock properties and geomaterials that accurately represents the strata within each of these systems. This is an ambitious and long-term project, but one that we feel we are uniquely qualified to pursue with our integrated research group.

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Geomechanical Property Evolution in Carbonate Systems Effort and Products: This is an integrated and broad multiyear study involving most of the RCRL staff and several students. We will be examining the change in rock properties that occur from modern sediments to ancient strata. The broad goal of this investigation is to develop empirical relationships for rock property changes with depth/time and to highlight geologic factors that significantly influence changes in rock strength. The value in understanding the evolution of rock properties through time is essential for developing predictive models of stratigraphic and structural complexities in carbonate reservoirs. Correlation between rock strength and porosity in carbonates has been documented for decades and highlighted in detail for the past several years by the RCRL group. Empirically, lower porosity correlates to higher rock strength. Hence, first pass assumptions about rock strength could be made to porosity reduction with depth correlations but the resolution of fracture development within mechanically stratified rocks requires a more detailed characterization of causes of rock strength change with time. Furthermore, geomechanical models that aim to address early fracture development in carbonates require a better understanding of how rock strength changes with time and within the carbonate facies tracts. We believe that we are uniquely qualified to select meaningful samples for analyses that can be placed into current or past stratigraphic frameworks to improve reservoir characterization. We will specifically highlight changes in grainstone rock strength properties in several localities using a variety of classic (e.g., Indiana limestone), Permian fields (e.g., SACROC, Seminole, Seven Rivers-Yates outcrop) through modern sediments (West Caicos) to determine ranges in rock strength based on porosity and pore type. Overall, we hope to understand all carbonate facies and their geomechanical properties as they change from early deposition through subsequent diagenetic alterations.

Effect of pore type on dynamic and static mechanical moduli Effort and Products: This ongoing, long term research project will be spearheaded by Xavier Janson, Donnie Brooks, and Chris Zahm and will be analyzing samples from numerous facies with varying pore types to understand the impact pore types have on rock properties and mechanical moduli. Results of the analyses will be compiled for characterization. The outcome of this work should be beneficial for geologists, petrophysicists and engineers who are trying to derive mechanical properties from acoustic tools such as sonic log or seismic for reservoir characterization, fracture predictions or completions. The effect of various pore type, size and distribution on acoustic properties of carbonate are relatively well-known. In contrast, very little work has been done investigating the same effect using static mechanical properties. However, mechanical properties are routinely derived from sonic log or derived from seismic. The proposed research goals then are: (1) to investigate the

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difference between dynamically and statically derived mechanic moduli for carbonate rocks with various pore type, texture and mineralogy; (2) assess the effect of pore-type, size and distribution on static mechanical moduli; and (3) evaluate the potential and pitfall of using acoustically derived moduli as proxy for static moduli.

Refinement of handheld tools for geomechanical and acoustic property characterization Effort and Products: Donnie Brooks, Chris Zahm, and Xavier Janson continue to refine handheld tools to create improved empirical relationships between devices that enable high-resolution sampling and laboratory rock mechanics analyses. In addition, efforts on compressional and shear wave velocity characterization in variable carbonate pore types aims to improve predictability of porosity distribution in subsurface reservoirs. We continue to work to improve techniques and calibration of handheld tools that allow high-resolution characterization of carbonate rock properties. In years past we have demonstrated that tools such as the Equotip micro-rebound hammer can effectively characterize relative rock-strength changes (UCS) in core at the centimeter scale. We are now working to improve the calibration of the handheld measurements to laboratory measured UCS. We will be developing techniques and methods that quantify and correct for the effect of sample size on measurements. Because several sponsoring companies are using similar tools, will be sending our findings to our membership throughout the year.

Bench top measurements of compressional velocity (UPV) in variable carbonate pore types continues as a theme. Since 2010, the RCRL group has been investigating the relationship between pore types and both compressional (Vp) and shear (Vs) wave velocities. We will continue to investigate this relationship in diagenetically-altered pore systems with a goal of improved predictability in both wireline and seismic modeling of porosity distribution in the subsurface.

Characterization and modeling of natural, early-formed fracture systems Effort and Products: The characterization and geomechanical modeling efforts will be led by student research including work by Andrea Nolting (PhD Candidate) on failure along steep-rimmed carbonate margins in the Turks and Caicos platform and differential compaction and layer-parallel slip characterization and modeling by Yasar Al-Zayer (PhD Aspirant) and Nathan Tinker (Msc Candidate) in the Sacramento Mountains. As we continue to highlight the interwoven stratigraphic and structural complexities in carbonates, more patterns in anomalous subsurface production and efficiency are emerging. By considering the entire evolution of the mechanical stratigraphy and resulting fracture development we are becoming more predictive to the reservoir behavior.

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The RCRL group has expanded early-formed fracture characterization to include geomechanical modeling using ELFEN, a discretized finite-element geomechanical-modeling software. Two carbonate systems are of immediate interest—areas exhibiting significant differential compaction (e.g., mound and mound flanks) and slope failure along steep-rimmed carbonate margins (e.g., Permian, Cretaceous and modern). One appeal of finite-element modeling is the ability to model elastoplastic deformation in young carbonates where: (1) the mechanical properties are heterogeneous (e.g., brittle cemented reef deposited in proximity to unconsolidated carbonate mud or grains), and (2) the rock properties are evolved by each time step in the model. For these systems the evolution of the rock properties is critical to understanding deformation that develops in young strata.

In 2016 we will develop geomechanical models for two types of problems. The first is steep-rimmed shelf margins where the interaction of slope angle, vertical loading, differential lateral load (i.e., carbonate shelf strata versus open ocean), rock mechanical properties, and eustacy all combine to create a dynamic system for shelf margin fracturing, faulting and failure. Andrea Nolting will continue her work at West Caicos Island to develop models aim to explain the location, scale, frequency and dominant controls on fracture and slope failure. Chris Zahm will finalize fracture mapping of exposures on the island and use the topobathymetry as a common base map for mapped facies by Charlie Kerans.

From the modern to the Paleozoic, Nathan Tinker and Yasar Al-Zayer will be mapping deformation in response to differential compaction in mud mounds in the Sacramento Mountains. The deformation in this system is also early, but requires understanding of the rock-property distribution and compactability of sediment surrounding the lithified and cemented mounds. Al-Zayer will then be developing ELFEN models to better understand the effect of mound geometry and strata compaction in mechanical layers, including layer-parallel slip at bed boundaries. We expect to better understand the impact of rock property evolution and deformation in a diverse icehouse climate.

Influence of Pre-existing Structural Fabric on Reservoir-Scale Fracture Development—Maverick and Permian Basins Effort and Products: 2015 efforts by Chris Zahm highlighted small faults in Late Cretaceous to Early Cenozoic outcrop exposures along the South Texas Laramide foreland that exist 130 km north of the last documented compressional structure. These structures will be documented in detail with expected maps of faults that can be interrogated for fault geometry information as well as detailed outcrop characterization of select exposures will be the key products in 2016. Small faults expressed satellite photos coupled with key outcrop exposures in the Del Rio to Fort Stockton, Texas window provide valuable insight in the development of fault-related

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fractures in reservoir carbonate intervals such as the Albian-age Segovia-Sierra Del Carmen (Georgetown equivalent), Buda, and Austin Chalk. Detailed mapping at the satellite view scale provides information on the orientation and relative intensity and enables comparison of fault development to pre-existing or inherited structures from the Paleozoic and older. We will continue to map these faults at the 7.5’ scale to develop a world-class database of subseismic faults in the Laramide foreland. Select outcrops will be worked in detail, including the Hwy. 90 bridge near Comstock, Lewis and Harkell Canyons on the Pecos River, and two exposures north of Sanderson, TX with the intent to characterize small bed-bound and through-going fracture intensities near the faults as well as to document in detail the kinematic variability in fault development along the frontal Laramide zone.

Collaborative Research Project for Karst and Fracture Characterization and Modeling of Evaporite Paleokarst Systems—Examples from the Kirschberg, Madison and Grosmont Carbonates Effort and Products: Ongoing research by Chris Zahm, Charlie Kerans, and Bob Loucks on evaporite paleokarst systems highlights end members of suprastratal deformation. In 2016, characterization and geomodeling of evaporite paleokarst systems will continue with a synthesis of geomechanical properties and associated fractures within the Devonian Grosmont will be developed from core and collaborative sponsor research. Simultaneous to this effort will be the development of several outcrop analog fracture network models to highlight endmembers of deformation and potential permeability pathways associated with evaporite karst. Complex deformation related to evaporite removal in the Grosmont of the Upper Ireton carbonates creates significant reservoir heterogeneity. However, billions of barrels of low-API bitumen are present in the Grosmont, making characterization valuable. The RCRL group will be working with various datasets to both characterize the karst and fracture distribution and develop subsurface reservoir models that are based on well and core data, as well as 3D seismic volumes. It will be a multi-year study. Research results, including modeling strategy and work flow, will be shared with the RCRL sponsors during annual meetings.

In conjunction with characterization of the Grosmont system, we will construct geomodels that capture variations observed within the Cretaceous Kirschberg (greater Junction area) and Mississippian Madison Formations (Bighorn Canyon Recreation area). The geomodels constructed for the karst-collapse systems will include distribution of essential reservoir elements, including matrix and karst-collapse breccias, along with dissolution-enhanced fractures, fracture fills, and deformation-related discrete fractures. We expect non-unique geomodel solutions, but we hope to highlight key elements to reservoir-flow behavior, including pore-volume distribution and recovery and sweep efficiency.

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Geochemical-Chemostratigraphic Analysis of Carbonate Systems

Our geochemical and chemostratigraphic research focuses primarily on the following directions: (1) identification of robust geochemically-defined facies that can be interpreted on the basis of their underlying mineralogical content, depositional redox conditions, and/or depositional/diagenetic characteristics in order to help constrain stratigraphic correlation and understand basin-scale geochemistry; (2) investigation of the link between petrophysical properties with highly-resolved chemostratigraphic results in order to refine our understanding of linkages between mineralogical and rock strength variability; (3) developing a better understanding of global and basin-scale geochemical events such as ocean anoxia events (OAEs) and their impact on the establishment and demise of carbonate platforms, intrashelf basin development, and basin-centered accumulations in carbonate reservoir and source rocks; and (4) age-dating of carbonate systems to better constrain strata in both outcrop and the subsurface.

Chemolithostratigraphy of the Upper Cretaceous Buda and Austin Chalk Effort and Products: Ongoing work by Harry Rowe, Bob Loucks, Chris Hendrix (MSc Candidate), and Evan Sivil is constraining the chemolithostatigraphic variability of the Buda and Austin succession in South Texas. Specifically, subtle geochemical changes in the carbonate-dominated facies are helping to define discrete packages of deposition. In 2016, this core-based work will be expanded to other cores to develop a more regional framework for understanding the linkages between depositional processes, lithostratigraphy, and geochemical and isotopic characteristics. While the geochemistry of carbonate-rich lithologies is dominated by calcium, and magnesium if dolomites are present, minor elemental constituents may provide additional insight for chemolithostratigraphic, paleoenvironmental, and diagenesis studies. Ongoing work on late Cretaceous carbonate lithologies of South Texas has defined and refined our understanding of subtle lithostratigraphic units within the Buda, and is helping to geochemically characterize facies relationships in the Austin Chalk. The quantitative definition of these chemolithofacies will provide the context for additional sampling associated with isotopic, petrographic, pore network sub-studies that will complement the initial work and provide a more comprehensive evaluation of depositional and diagenetic units. Reservoir quality, isotope and chemostratigraphy of OAE-1B Effort and Products: Ongoing work by Harry Rowe, Charlie Kerans, Bob Loucks is attempting to refine the depositional packages defined in drill cores. Recent work focused on developing highly-resolved chemostratigraphic records from shallow cores from the San Marcos Arch area. In 2016, this

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composite regional record will be expanded, and stable isotopic work will be accomplished in order to provide better chronostratigraphic constraints. All OAEs are not created equal. The forcing mechanisms responsible for, the duration and intensity of, and the effects on biology are different between these episodes that are all characterized by large-scale marine anoxia. A unique opportunity exists to reconstruct and interpret OAE-1B in a relatively shallow, marginal marine platform setting with sufficient core coverage to build a regional study. The stable isotopic work provides the hemisphere/global-scale record of change and the regional tie-lines, while the bulk elemental stratigraphy provides a record of mineralogical and redox change that is tied to the lithostratigraphy. Research in carbonate chemofacies methodologies Effort and Products: Harry Rowe is continuing to develop a broader elemental calibration for carbonate and carbonate-associated lithologies using the handheld XRF technology. Furthermore, in 2016 more work will focus on the utility of core-scale XRF microbeam technology and its use for refining carbonate facies and microfacies. Development of case studies and workflows will be undertaken. Our ongoing effort to refine the elemental calibration for handheld energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (HH-ED-XRF) technology and carbonates is now focused on expanding the working ranges for magnesium in magnesite-bearing lithologies, iron in its various forms (carbonates, pyrite, clays), and sulfur in mixed carbonate-evaporite units. Microbeam-XRF efforts are focused on optimizing sample resolution and count-time in order to resolve questions regarding the fine-scale facies structure in carbonates and mixed carbonate-evaporite and carbonate-siliciclastic systems. This work will be integrated with larger-scale chemostratigraphic studies that require a better understanding of subtle geochemical changes within and between facies. Age constraints of modern facies West Caicos Effort and Products: Harry Rowe, Charles Kerans, and Chris Zahm will work toward developing a small suite of coral and conch samples from MIS-5, 7, 9, and 11 terraces from West Caicos that can be analyzed for their potential in refining absolute age chronologies. The new approach will involve more in-depth sample preparation and detailed microbeam (XRF and XRD) analysis of hand-sized samples in order to pinpoint areas that are most favorable for recovering primary aragonite and low-Mg calcite samples for U-series geochronology. Once a suite of sub-samples and sampling points are defined, a suite of U-Th ages will be generated using MC-ICP-MS. A concerted effort will be made to screen coral and conch samples for subsequent U-series geochronology studies using microbeam XRF and XRD techniques. Element (Sr, Mg) maps of slabbed carbonate materials will be analyzed at ~20-micron pixel resolution in order to high-grade samples for mm-scale x-ray diffraction (XRD) work. For coralline carbonate, samples

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containing high concentrations of Sr and Mg (1000s of ppm) will be analyzed using spot-size XRD to define areas with exclusive aragonitic content. Those areas will be micro-drilled for subsequent U-series age-date determinations for the greater West Caicos mapping initiative.

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SUMMARY RCRL is an integrated carbonate research group whose major mission is to use outcrop and subsurface geological, geophysical, and petrophysical data as the basis for developing new and integrated methodologies for a better understanding and description of the 3D carbonate reservoir system. Our unique expertise addresses research questions in carbonate shelf to basin systems and at scale of investigation from nanopores to basin architecture. Our 2016 RCRL research program consists of five themes, including: (1) Platform Scale Stratigraphy; (2) Reservoir Architecture and Intra-Play Evolution; (3) Structural and Geomechanical Characterization; (4) Pore Network Characterization; and (5) Geochemical and Chemostratigraphic Analysis of Carbonate Systems. Research questions for each theme are developed using both subsurface and outcrop analogs. We emphasize quantifying what we observe so that our research is applicable to reservoir models and valuable in providing predictive relationships and conceptual tools for reservoir characterization. Our research focus areas, themes, and topics have been developed out of our experience and feedback from our sponsorship.

In 2016, the annual RCRL Industrial Associates contribution to the program is $55,000 per year. We encourage sponsors to commit to a 2-year agreement so that we can better plan a longer-range research program and reduce the time and effort in securing agreements. A 2-year agreement is currently being offered at $50,000 per year for the next 2 years (total of $100,000, with $50,000 due at the beginning of each year). If you have any questions on any aspect of the RCRL Carbonate Reservoirs Research Program, please contact Charlie Kerans (512-471-4282 or ckerans@jsg.utexas.edu) or Bob Loucks (512- 471-0366 or bob.loucks@beg.utexas.edu).

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APPENDIX A: RECENT AND ACTIVE RCRL STUDENTS

Students in Progress Ahmed Almahwi, Ph.D. Candidate (joint student between RCRL and MSRL; expected completion, May 2017) –Research objectives: Characterize lithofacies and pore networks in the Upper Cretaceous Eagle Ford Shale in south Texas and Upper Cretaceous shales in Saudi Arabia and relate to wireline-log analysis. Supervisors: R. Loucks and W. Fisher; Committee: Charlie Kerans and Harry Rowe. Mahmoud Al-Nazaghah, Ph.D. Aspirant (expected completion, May 2017) –Research objectives: Origin and architecture of glacioeustatically forced reservoir flow units, SACROC field and equivalent outcrop datasets. Co-supervisors, Charlie Kerans, and Chris Zahm. Nick Danger, M.Sc., (expected completion, May 2016) –Research objectives: Facies mapping and origin of foreshore-upper shoreface ooid grainstones in strandplain systems, West Caicos. Supervisor, Charlie Kerans. Reynaldy Fifariz, Ph.D. Candidate (expected completion, May 2017) – Research objectives: Integrating core, well log, seismic, and outcrop analogs to propose a regional architecture of faulted carbonate platforms of the East Java area, Indonesia. Co-supervisors: X. Janson and C. Kerans; Committee: Ron Steel, Craig Fulthorp, and Ben Sapiie. Ozen Gurbuz, M.Sc. Candidate (expected completion, May 2016) – Research objective: Mechanical stratigraphy of folded Lower to Upper Cretaceous carbonates of the Mardin Group, Eastern Turkey. Supervisor: X. Janson; Committee: W. Fisher and E. Catlos. Ahmed Hassan, Ph.D. Candidate (expected completion May, 2016) –Research objectives: Distribution of intragranular micropores in a low-resistivity pay zone from Lower Cretaceous Thamama Group, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirate. Co-supervisor: C. Kerans and R. Loucks. Chris Hendricks, M.Sc. Candidate (Joint student between RCRL and STARR; expected completion, Aug 2016) –Research objectives: Depositional setting, lithofacies, and chemostratigraphy of the Buda and Austin Chalk intervals in south Texas using core-based XRF data. Supervisors: Harry Rowe and Robert Loucks. Gregory Hurd, Ph.D. Candidate (expected completion, May 2016) –Research objective: Interpreting and modeling processes of deposition and deformation on carbonate slopes. Co-supervisors: C. Kerans and X. Janson; Committee: P. Flemings, D. Mohrig, and T. Simo. Chris Liu M.Sc. Candidate (expected completion May 2015) –Research objective: Lithofacies and associated dual mega/micropore network within the Albian Sunniland carbonates in south

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Florida. Emphasis with be on origin and characterization of the lithofacies and associated pore networks. Co-supervisors: Charles Kerans and Robert Loucks. Kyle McKenzie, M.Sc. Candidate (Joint student between RCRL and STARR; expected completion, May 2016) –Research objectives: High-Frequency Cycles of the Late Guadalupian applied to the PDB-04 Research Core. Supervisors: C. Kerans and R. Loucks. Andrea Nolting, Ph.D. Candidate (expected completion, May 2017) – Research objective: Improved understanding of the controls on shelf margin faulting and failure, including rock properties, current and pre-existing geometry, and eustacy. Co-supervisors: C. Zahm and C. Kerans; Committee: P. Flemings, D. Mohrig, M. Nikolinakou. Jeff Sitgreaves, M.Sc., (expected completion Fall, 2016) –Research objectives: Evolution and origin of Cretaceous intrashelf basins in NW Gulf of Mexico, including Maverick and East Texas basins), thesis will combine extensive regional subsurface mapping and correlation using core, logs, and seismic data, and digital outcrop mapping of Maverick intrashelf basin margin in southernmost exposures of Pecos River Canyon. Co-supervisors: Charlie Kerans and Bob Loucks.

Ben Smith, Ph.D. Aspirant, (expected completion 2017) –Research objective: High-resolution cycle and sequence architecture of the Seven Rivers Formation, north wall of McKittrick Canyon: Co-supervisors Charlie Kerans and Scott Tinker.

Nathan Tinker, M.Sc., (expected completion, 2016) –Research objective: Integrated structural-stratigraphic analysis of compaction-related fracturing in carbonate buildups and associated cover strata. Co-supervisors, Xavier Janson and Chris Zahm. Kris Voorhees, M.Sc., (expected completion, 2016) –Research objective: Documentation and origin of extensive and prolonged subaerial exposure of the Capitan Platform associated with the Hairpin G25 high-frequency sequence. Supervisor, Charlie Kerans. Recently Graduated Maren Mathisen, M.Sc. (2014), Structural Evolution along a Strike Change in the Capitan Shelf Margin, Guadalupe Mountains, SE New Mexico; Committee: C. Zahm, C. Kerans, W. Fisher Rebekah Simon, M.Sc. (2014), Syndepositional Fault Control on Dolomitization of a Steep-Walled Carbonate Platform Margin, Yates Formation, Rattlesnake Canyon, New Mexico; Committee: C. Kerans, C. Zahm, and D. Breecker Gordon Smith, M.Sc. (2013), Fault and Fracture Systems Related to Reactivation of Pre-Existing Structural Elements, Devil’s River Uplift and Maverick Basin, Texas; Co-supervisors: C. Zahm and W. Fisher; Committee: C. Zahm, W. Fisher, and C. Kerans

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Alex Parker, M.Sc. (2013), Outcrop Characterization of Ooid Grainstones in the Grayburg Formation, Guadalupe Mountains, New Mexico; Supervisor: C. Kerans; Committee: C. Olairu and W. Fisher Sam Hiebert, M.Sc. (2013), High-Resolution Sequence and Chemostratigraphic Correlations of the Grayburg Formation—Shattuck Escarpment and Plowman Ridge—Testing Models of Shelf-to-Basin Frameworks; Supervisor: C. Kerans; Committee: Steve Ruppel and W. Fisher. Stephanie Wood, M.Sc. (2013), Lithofacies, Depositional Environments, and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Pennsylvanian (Morrowan-Atokan) Marble Falls Formation, Central Texas: Co-supervisors: R. Loucks and S. Ruppel; Committee: C. Kerans and J. Sprinkle Nathan Jones, M.Sc. (2012), Integrated Lidar and Outcrop Study of Syndepositional Faults and Fractures in the Capitan Formation, Guadalupe Mountains, New Mexico, U.S.A.; Co-supervisors: C. Zahm and C. Kerans; Committee: R. Steel Selin Erzeybek, Ph.D. (2012), Characterization and Modeling of Paleokarst Reservoirs Using Multiple-Point Statistics on a Non-Gridded Basis: Supervisor: Sanjay Srinivasan; Committee: X. Janson, C. Zahm, Larry Lake, and Steve Bryant Travis Kloss, M.Sc. (2011), Evolution of a Combined Epigenetic and Evaporite Removal Paleokarst Complex, Mississippian Madison Group, Wyoming; Supervisor: C. Kerans; Committee: C. Kerans, C. Zahm, and W. Fisher Ryan Phelps, Ph.D. (2011), The Albian Carbonate Platform of Texas: Shelf Margin Architecture, Cyclicity, and Carbon Isotope Stratigraphy; Supervisor: C. Kerans; Committee: R. Loucks, W. Fisher, R. Steel, R. Scott, X. Janson, and S. Gulick David Hull, M.Sc. (2011), Lower Cretaceous Pearsall Shale Gas System in Southwest Texas: a Mixed Carbonate/Terrigenous System; Supervisors: R. Loucks and K. Milliken; Committee: R. Steel and C. Kerans

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APPENDIX B: RECENT RCRL PUBLICATIONS

2015 Peng, S., Yang, J., Xiao, X., Loucks, R. G., Ruppel, S. C., and Zhang, T., 2015, An integrated method for upscaling pore-network characterization and permeability estimation: example from the Mississippian Barnett Shale: Transport in Porous Media, v. 109, no. 2, p. 359-376, http://doi.org/10.1007/s11242-015-0523-8. Phelps, R. M., Kerans, C., Da-Gama, R.O.B.P., Jeremiah, J., Hull, D., and Loucks, R. G., 2015, Response and recovery of the Comanche carbonate platform surrounding multiple Cretaceous oceanic anoxic events, northern Gulf of Mexico: Cretaceous Research, v. 54, p. 117-144, http://doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2014.09.002. Janson, X., Lee, K., Zahm, C., and Kerans, C., 2015, Ground-penetrating radar imaging of Albian rudist buildups, central Texas: Interpretation, v. 3, no. 3, p. SY67-SY81, http://doi.org/10.1190/INT-2014-0273.1. Decker, L., Janson, X., and Fomel, S., 2015, Carbonate reservoir characterization using seismic diffraction imaging: Interpretation, v. 3, no. 1, p. SF21-SF30.

2014 Janson, X., Lucia, F. J., Jennings, J. W., Bellian, J. A., AbuBshait, A. A., Al-Dukhayyil, R. K., Mueller, H. W., and Cantrell, D., 2014, Outcrop-based 3D geological and reservoir model of the uppermost Khuff Formation in central Saudi Arabia, in Pöppelreiter, M., ed., Permo-Triassic Sequence of the Arabian Plate: EAGE Special Publication, p. 269-302. Phelps, Ryan M., Charles Kerans, Jason Jeremiah, Rui O Da-Gama, David Hull, and Robert G. Loucks, in review, Response and recovery of the Comanche carbonate platform surrounding multiple Cretaceous Oceanic Anoxic Events, northern Gulf of Mexico, 157 ms pgs. Loucks, R. G., and Reed, R. M., 2014, Scanning-electron-microscope petrographic evidence for distinguishing organic-matter pores associated with deposition organic matter versus migrated organic matter in mudrocks: GCAGS Journal, v. 3, p. 51-60. Loucks, R. G., and H. D. Rowe, 2014, Upper Cretaceous Niobrara Chalk in Buck Peak field, Sand Wash Basin, NW Colorado: Depositional setting, lithofacies, and nanopore network; SPE/AAPG/SEG Unconventional Resources Technology Conference, 25-27 August , Denver, Colorado, USA, 13 p. (DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15530/urtec-2014-1918913).

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2013 Clayton, Jason, and Kerans, Charles, 2013, Reservoir compartmentalization of a deep-water ooid fan, Happy Field, Permian Basin, in Verwer, Klass, and Playton, Ted, Editors, Deposits, Architecture and Controls of Carbonate Margin, Slope and Basinal Settings, SEPM Special Publication 105, p. 359-383. Kerans, Charles, Playton, Ted, Phelps, R.A., and Scott, Samuel Z., 2013, Ramp-to-Rimmed Shelf Transition in the Guadalupian (Permian) of the Guadalupe Mountains, West Texas and New Mexico, in Verwer, K., and Playton, T., Editors, Carbonate Slopes, SEPM special publication no. 105, p. 26-49. Loucks, R. G., Lucia, F. J., and Waite, L. E., 2013, Origin and description of the micropore network within the Lower Cretaceous Stuart City Trend tight-gas limestone reservoir in Pawnee Field in South Texas: GCAGS Journal, v. 2, p. 29-41. Lucia, F. J. and Loucks, R. G., 2013, Microporosity in carbonate mud: Early development and petrophysics: GCAGS Journal, v. 2, p. 1-10. Michelena, R.J., Godbey, K., Wang, H., Gilman, J, Zahm, C.K., 2013, Estimation of dispersion in orientations of natural fractures from seismic data: application to DFN modeling and flow simulation, SEG-URTEC Special Issue, The Leading Edge, p. 1502-1512.

Phelps, R. M., Kerans, C., Loucks, R. G., Gama, R., Jeremiah, J., and Hull, D., 2013, Oceanographic and eustatic control of carbonate platform evolution and sequence stratigraphy on the Cretaceous (Valanginian–Campanian) passive margin, northern Gulf of Mexico: Sedimentology, p. 1-36.

2012 Algeo, T. J., Henderson, C. M., Ellwood, B. B., Rowe, H., Elswick, E., Bates, S., Lyons, T. W., Hower, J. C., Smith, C. I., Maynard, J. B., Hays, L. E., Summons, R. E., Fulton, J., and Freeman, K. H., 2012, Evidence for a diachronous Late Permian marine crisis from the Canadian Arctic region: Geological Society of America Bulletin, v. 124, no. 9/10, p. 1424-1448. Algeo, T. J., and Rowe, H., 2012, Paleoceanographic applications of trace-metal concentration data: Chemical Geology, v. 324-325, p. 6-18. Garcia-Fresca, B., Lucia, F. J., Sharp, J. M., Jr., and Kerans, C., 2012, Outcrop-constrained hydrogeological simulations of brine reflux and early dolomitization of the Permian San Andres Formation: AAPG Bulletin, v. 96, no. 9, p. 1757-1781.

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Harrington, R. R., and Lucia, F. J., 2012, Integration of rock fabrics and stratigraphy for petrophysical quantification of reservoir framework, in Ruppel, S. C., ed., Anatomy of a Giant Carbonate Reservoir: Fullerton Clear Fork (Lower Permian) Field, Permian Basin, Texas: Studies in Geology 63, p. 49-66. Hennings, P., Allwardt, P., Paul, P., Zahm, C., , 2012, Relationship between fractures, fault zones, stress, and reservoir productivity in the Suban gas field, Sumatra, Indonesia, AAPG Bulletin, V. 93, Issue 11, p. 763-772. Janson, X., and Madriz, D. D., 2012, Geomodeling of carbonate mounds using two-point and multipoint statistics, in Garland, J., Neilson, J. E., Laubach, S. E., and Whidden, K. J., eds., Advances in Carbonate Exploration and Reservoir Analysis: Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 370. Loucks, R. G., and D. C. Hull, 2012, Coarse-grained siliciclastic input into the Lower Cretaceous Pearsall Cow Creek Limestone Member in western Maverick Basin, south Texas: Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 61. Loucks, R. G., Reed, R. M., Ruppel, S. C., and Hammes, U., 2012, Spectrum of pore types and networks in mudrocks and a descriptive classification for matrix-related mudrock pores: AAPG Bulletin, v. 96, no. 6, p. 1071-1098. Lucia, F. J., 2012, Chapter 5. The great Lower Ordovician cavern system, in Derby, J. R., Fritz, R. D., Longacre, S. A., Morgan, W. A., and Sternbach, C. A., eds., The Great American Carbonate Bank: the Geology and Economic Resources of the Cambrian-Ordovician Sauk megasequence of Laurentia: AAPG Memoir 98, p. 83-111. Lucia, F. J., and Kane, J. A., 2012, Calculation of permeability and initial water saturations from wireline logs in a mature carbonate reservoir, in S. C. Ruppel, ed., Anatomy of a Giant Carbonate Reservoir: Fullerton Clear Fork (Lower Permian) Field, Permian Basin, Texas: Studies in Geology 63, p. 77-91. Pomar, L., Bassant, P., Brandano, M., Ruchonnet, C., and Janson, X., 2012, Impact of carbonate producing biota on platform architecture: insights from Miocene examples of the Mediterranean region: Earth-Science Reviews, v. 113, nos. 3–4, p. 186-211.

Rowe, H., Hughes, N., and Robinson, K., 2012, The quantification and application of handheld energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) in mudrock chemostratigraphy and geochemistry: Chemical Geology, v. 324-325, p. 122-131. Wang, F. P., and Lucia, F. J., 2012, Reservoir modeling and simulation of the Fullerton Clear Fork reservoir, Andrews County, Texas, in S. C. Ruppel, ed., Anatomy of a giant carbonate reservoir: Fullerton Clear Fork (Lower Permian) field, Permian Basin, Texas: Studies in Geology 63, p. 111–143.

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2011

Acton, P., Fox, J., Campbell, E., Jones, A., Rowe, H. D., Martin, D., and Bryson, S., 2011, The role of soil health in maintaining environmental sustainability of surface coal mining: Environmental Science and Technology, v. 45, p. 10265-10272. Janson, X., Eberli, G. P., Lomando, A. J., and Bonnaffe, F., 2011, Seismic characterization of large-scale platform-margin collapse along the Zhujiang carbonate platform (Miocene) of the South China Sea, based on Miocene outcrop analogs from Mut Basin, Turkey: SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology) Special Publication No. 95, p. 79-98. Janson, X., and Fomel, S. B., 2011, 3-D forward seismic model of an outcrop-based geocellular model: SEPM Concepts in Sedimentology and Paleontology No. 10, p. 87-106. Janson, X., Kerans, C., Loucks, R. G., Marhx, A., Reyes, C., and Murguia, F., 2011, Seismic architecture of a Lower Cretaceous platform-to-slope system, Santa Agueda and Poza Rica fields, Mexico: AAPG Bulletin, v. 95, no. 1, p. 105-146. Loucks, R. G., Kerans, C., Janson, X., and Marhx Romano, M. A., 2011, Lithofacies analysis and stratigraphic architecture of a deep-water carbonate debris apron: Lower Cretaceous (latest Aptian to latest Albian) Tamabra Formation, Poza Rica field area, Mexico: SEPM (Society for Sedimentary Geology), Special Publication No. 96, p. 367-389. Playton, T. E., Janson, X., and Kerans, C., 2011, Chapter 18. Carbonate slopes, in James, N. P., and Dalrymple, R. W., eds., Facies Models 4: St. Johns, Newfoundland, Geological Association of Canada, p. 449-476. Zeng, H., Loucks, R., Janson, X., Wang, Q., Xia, Y., Yuan, B., and Xu, L., 2011, Three-dimensional seismic geomorphology and analysis of the Ordovician paleokarst drainage system in the Lunnan field area, northern Tarim Basin, western China: AAPG Bulletin, v. 95, no. 12, p. 2061-2083. Zeng, H., Wang, G., Janson, X., Loucks, R. G., Xia, Y., Xu, L., and Yuan, B., 2011, Characterizing seismic bright spots in deeply buried, Ordovician paleokarst strata, Central Tabei Uplift, Tarim Basin, western China: Geophysics, v. 76, no. 4, p. B127-B137. Zeng, H., Wang, G. Z., Loucks, R. G., Janson, X., Xia, Y. P., and Xu, L. G., 2011, Seismic geomorphologic, core, and outcrop expression of an Ordovician paleokarst system in north-central Tarim Basin, China, in 30th Annual GCSSEPM Foundation Bob F. Perkins Research Conference, December 5-8, 2010, Houston, Texas, p. 73-87.

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2010 Bergman, K. L., Whestphal, H., Janson, X., Poiriez, A., and Eberli, G. P., 2010, Chapter 2. Controlling parameters on facies geometries of the Bahamas, an isolated carbonate platform environment, in Whestphal, H., Eberli, G. P., and Reigl, B., eds., Factors controlling modern carbonate deposition: Springer-Verlag, ISBN:978-90-481-9363-9, p. 5-80. Chiaramonte, L., Zoback, M., Friedmann, J., Stamp, V., and Zahm, C., 2010, Fracture characterization and fluid flow simulation with geomechanical constraints for a CO2– EOR and sequestration project Teapot Dome Oil Field, Wyoming, USA: Energy Procedia, v. 4, p. 3973-3980. Coates, J. W., Ettensohn, F. R., and Rowe, H. D., 2010, Correlations across a facies mosaic within the Lexington Limestone of central Kentucky, USA, using whole-rock stable isotope compositions, in Finney, S., Berry, W., and Barnes, C., eds., Ordovician Earth System: Geological Society of America Special Paper 466, p. 177-193. Ellwood, B. B., Algeo, T. J., El Hassani, A., Tomkin, J. H., and Rowe, H. D., 2010, Defining the timing and extent of the Kačák Interval within the Eifelian/Givetian boundary GSSP, Mech Irdane, Morocco, using geochemical and magnetic susceptibility patterns: Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, v. 304, nos. 1-2, p. 74-84. Frost, E. L., and Kerans, C., 2010, Controls on syndepositional fracture patterns, Devonian reef complexes, Canning Basin, Western Australia, in Agosta, F., and Tondi, E., eds., Faulting and Fracturing in Carbonate Rocks: New Insights on Deformation Mechanisms and Petrophysical Properties: Journal of Structural Geology, v. 32, p. 1231-1249. Fullmer, S., and Lucia, F. J., 2010, Rate of reflux dolomitization based on hydrodynamic modeling of a Glen Rose dolostone, Austin, Texas: Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 60, p. 291-300. Hardt, B., Rowe, H. D., Springer, G. S., Cheng, H., and Edwards, R. L., 2010, The seasonality of east central North American precipitation based on three coeval Holocene speleothems from southern West Virginia: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 295, p. 342-348. Hull, D., and Loucks, R. G., 2010, Depositional systems and stratal architecture of the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian) Pearsall Formation in South Texas: Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 60, p. 901-906. Janson, X., Van Buchem, F., Dromart, G., Eichenseer, H. T., Boichard, R., Dellamonica, X., Bonnaffe, F., and Eberli, G., 2010, Architecture and facies differentiation within a middle Miocene platform, Ermenek, Mut Basin, southern Turkey, in Van Buchem, F. S. P., Gerdes, K., and Esteban, M., eds., Mesozoic and Cenozoic Carbonate Systems of the Mediterranean and

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the Middle East: Stratigraphic and Diagenetic Reference Models: Geological Society, London, Special Publications, 329, p. 265-290. Johnson, C., Hudson, S. M., Rowe, H. D., and Efendiyeva, M. A., 2010, Geochemical constraints on the Palaeocene-Miocene evolution of eastern Azerbaijan, with implications for the South Caspian basin and eastern Paratethys: Basin Research, v. 22, p. 733-750. Loucks, R. G., 2010, Intrastratal and suprastratal deformation associated with collapsed paleocave systems, in 44th U.S. Rock Mechanics Symposium and 5th U.S.–Canada Rock Mechanics Symposium Proceedings, Salt Lake City, June 27–30: ARMA 10-141, 7 p. McNeill, D. F., Janson, X., Bergman, K. L., and Eberli, G., 2010, Chapter 3. Belize: a modern example of a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic shelf, in Whestphal, H., Eberli, G. P., and Reigl, B., eds., Factors Controlling Modern Carbonate Deposition: Springer-Verlag, ISBN: 978-90-481-9363-9, p. 81-144. Owens, L., and Kerans, C., 2010, Revisiting the Cow Creek Limestone: facies architecture and depositional history of a greenhouse strandplain: Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 60, p. 907-915. Rech, J., Currie, B. S., Shullenberger, E. D., Dunagan, S. T., Jordan, T. E., Blanco, N., Tomlinson, A., Rowe, H. D., and Houston, J., 2010, Evidence for the development of the Andean Rainshadow from a Neogene isotopic record in the Atacama Desert: Earth and Planetary Science Letters, v. 292, p. 371-382. Riegl, B., Poiriez, A., Janson, X., and Bergman, K. L., 2010, Chapter 4. The Gulf: facies belts, physical, chemical, and biological parameters of sedimentation on a carbonate ramp, in Whestphal, H., Eberli, G. P., and Reigl, B., eds., Factors Controlling Modern Carbonate Deposition: Springer-Verlag, ISBN: 978-90-481-9363-9, p. 145-215. Rush, J., and Kerans, C., 2010, Stratigraphic response across a structurally dynamic shelf: the latest Guadalupian composite sequence at Walnut Canyon, New Mexico, U.S.A.: Journal of Sedimentary Research, v. 80, no. 9, p. 808-828. Springer, G. S., White, D. M., Rowe, H. D., Hardt, B., Mihimdukulasooriya, L. N., Cheng, H., and Edwards, R. L., 2010, Multiproxy evidence from caves of Native Americans altering the overlying landscape during the Late Holocene of east-central North America: The Holocene, v. 20, no. 2, p. 275-283. Zahm, C., Zahm, L., and Bellian, J. A., 2010, Integrated fracture prediction using sequence stratigraphy within a carbonate fault damage zone, Texas, USA, Journal of Structural Geology, v. 32, p. 1363-1374.

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Zahm, C. K., and M. Enderlin, 2010, Characterization of rock strength in Cretaceous strata along the Stuart City Trend, Texas: Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 60, p. 693-702.

2009 Frost, E. L, III and Kerans, C., 2009, Platform-margin trajectory as a control on syndepositional fracture patterns, Canning Basin, western Australia: Journal of Sedimentary Research, v. 79, no. 2, p. 44-55. Kurtzman, D., El Azzi, J. A., Lucia, F. J., Bellian, J. A., Zahm, C., and Janson, X., 2009, Improving fractured carbonate-reservoir characterization with remote sensing of beds, fractures, and vugs: Geosphere, v. 5, no. 2, p. 126-139. Zahm, C., and Hennings, P., 2009, Complex fracture development related to stratigraphic architecture: challenges for structural deformation prediction, Tensleep Sandstone at the Alcova anticline, Wyoming: AAPG Bulletin, v. 93, no. 11, p. 1427-1446.