This study will explore the potential for climatically controlled sedimentary cycles to be used as a high-order correlation tool within the Bunter Sandstone storage complex. The Bunter Sandstone Formation and adjacent units were deposited under a monsoonal climate, which was sensitive to the effects of Milankovitch cyclicity. Sedimentary cycles reflecting variable precipitation over ~100 kyr periods are evident throughout the equivalent Buntsandstein Group of northwest Germany (Fig. 1). Despite lateral facies variations, such cycles are traceable in wireline logs over considerable distances. However, their correlation potential for the Early to Middle Triassic of the Southern North Sea is hitherto unexplored.

Research programme

This project will develop a biostratigraphically-calibrated cyclostratigraphy for the Bunter Sandstone CO₂ storage complex in the UK and Dutch sectors of the Southern North Sea, and will build upon the palynostratigraphic zonation developed in Projects 1 and 2 (CASP.BSSC.1 & 2). The study will focus on up to 40 selected wells and will involve sedimentological, XRF and wireline log data to identify and correlate sedimentary cycles across the region. The cyclostratigraphic framework will enhance correlation potential, and contribute to the understanding of lateral connectivity and heterogeneity in the reservoir and seal intervals. This study is further supported by accompanying projects that will seek to understand the climatic and sedimentological controls on reservoir and seal development within the Bunter Sandstone storage complex and its application for CO₂ sequestration.

Deliverables

Results will be delivered via an interim data release with an associated presentation for client companies and a final technical report containing an integrated cyclostratigraphic framework for the Lower to Middle Triassic of the Southern North Sea, facies and palaeoenvironmental interpretations for selected wells, well-log correlation panels encompassing up to 40 wells from the UK and Dutch sectors, and XRF data for up to 10 selected wells studied by complementary projects within the Bunter Sandstone Storage Complex research theme. It will conclude with a client workshop during which all data and interpretations will be presented and discussed.

Project duration

The project was launched at the beginning of July 2022 and has a planned duration of 30 months.

Contact(s): Niall Paterson for further information about this research and licensing options.