17 One Century of Oil and Gas in the Permian Basin

Times, colleagues, tools, and technology have all changed over the past 100 years. The professionalism and comradery of geologists in the Permian Basin remains. Historical perspectives to help innovate for the future.

Sunday, 19 October 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
HBGCC, 302A

Integrated 3D Velocity and Density Modeling for Basin Characterization in the Central Basin Platform, West Texas

Paper number: 17-6
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 9:25 AM – 9:40 AM

Authors

Abstract

Accurate 3D subsurface models are essential for characterizing sedimentary basins, particularly in regions with complex stratigraphy such as the Central Basin Platform of the Permian Basin. In this study, we present an integrated 3D velocity-density model to enhance the characterization of the platform, combining multiple well-log parameters to provide detailed insights into reservoir quality and petrophysical properties. We use compressional sonic, shear wave sonic, and density logs from 83 wells to construct a detailed 3D grid framework. For the stratigraphic component, we interpret 13 key formation horizons (including the Salado, Tansil, Yates, Seven Rivers, Queen, Grayburg, San Andreas, Glorieta, Clearfork, Tubb, and Woodford) to define the regional stratigraphic architecture and its vertical and lateral variations. To ensure consistency between the high-resolution log data and the larger grid-cell dimensions, we first upscale the well-log properties. We apply a harmonic average to the velocity logs, as this is ideal for layered media, and an arithmetic average to the density logs. Next, we interpolate the upscaled data between wells using a moving average method, which we choose to effectively capture the lateral variability and regional trends across the model domain. The resulting velocity and density volumes enhance the resolution of elastic and geomechanical property variations, providing a robust foundation for multiple aspects of energy geology. Specifically, our model is a critical tool for traditional hydrocarbon exploration, the screening of suitable intervals for CO₂ injection for carbon mitigation, and for providing baseline inputs to assess induced seismicity risks associated with fluid injection operations. Ultimately, we demonstrate the value of combining a detailed stratigraphic framework with petrophysical data to support diverse regional energy strategies.

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-414424

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