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Introduction
In the Northern Offshore of the Netherlands territorial waters
the distribution of the Upper Jurassic – Early Cretaceous strata,
more specifically of the Schieland and Scruff Groups, is limited
to the Dutch Central Graben and Terschelling Basin (Figure 1).
Outside the Dutch Central Graben and the Terschelling Basin,
only thin veneers of these strata occur on fringing highs such
as the Schill Grund High and the Step Graben.
Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous strata are a target for oil
and gas exploration. In the early days of the Dutch offshore
exploration history various oil fields and some gas fields were
discovered. Only the F3-FB field proved to be economic. Other
oil fields, such as F14-A an F17-FA for example, have been,
until now, not economic due to complex reservoir architecture
predicting a low recovery. Interest in the exploration of the
Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous play ceased in the 1980’s.
Renewed interest in this play came in the 7th round (1989)
New stratigraphic insights in the ‘Late Jurassic’ of the SouthernCentral North Sea Graben and Terschelling Basin (Dutch Offshore)and related exploration potential
O.A. Abbink*, H.F. Mijnlieff, D.K. Munsterman & R.M.C.H. Verreussel
TNO B&O, Geological Survey of the Netherlands, P.O. Box 80015, NL-3508 TA Utrecht, the Netherlands
* Corresponding author. Email: [email protected]
Manuscript received: December 2005; accepted: September 2006
Abstract
Middle Jurassic – Early Cretaceous strata are a target for oil and gas exploration in the Dutch offshore. During the initial stages of the ‘Late Jurassic’
offshore exploration, various oil fields and a few gas fields were discovered of which only one, the F3-FB field, proved to be economically viable.
In the Northern Offshore of the Netherlands, latest Middle Jurassic (Callovian) – earliest Cretaceous (Ryazanian) strata are mostly limited to the
Dutch Central Graben and Terschelling basins. Outside the Dutch Central Graben and the Terschelling Basin only thin veneers of these strata occur
on the fringing highs such as the Schill Grund High and the Step Graben. The geology of this non-marine to shallow marine succession is complex.
The combination of lateral facies changes, repetitive log and facies characteristics in time, sea-level and climate changes, salt tectonics and
structural compartmentalisation hamper straightforward seismic interpretation and log correlation. The large number of lithostratigraphic units
defined in the Stratigraphic Nomenclature of the Netherlands illustrates the complexity of this time-interval.
In recent years, new biostratigraphic techniques and newly acquired stratigraphic data led to the identification of a series of events which can
be related to the tectonic, climatic, environmental and stratigraphic development of the ‘Late Jurassic’ in the Dutch Central Graben and Terschelling
basins. Based on these data, three stratigraphic sequences can be recognized. Sequence 1 (Callovian – earliest Kimmeridgian) records the initiation
of the Dutch Central Graben, Sequence 2 (early Kimmeridgian – early Portlandian) that of the initiation of the Terschelling Basin. During
sequence 3 (late Portlandian – Ryazanian) the Dutch offshore was draped by a regional transgression. These insights have directly impact on the
exploration potential, which is discussed in two play concepts. The first is a strat-trap play in the fluvial/paralic sediments of Sequence 1 in the
lows between the graben boundary and salt domes. The second example is the Spiculite play, which comprises a bioclastic sandstone reservoir
at the top of a dome with a 4-way dip closure. These two examples highlight the necessity of understanding the paleoenvironment and geography
for assessing the future exploration potential.
Keywords: Dutch offshore, Late Jurassic, stratigraphy, paralic & shallow marine deposits, stratigraphic trap, spiculite, hydrocarbons, exploration
221Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 221 - 238 | 2006
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when the ‘Friese Front restricted area’ was opened for explo-
ration. Numerous wells were drilled with the Late Jurassic –Early Cretaceous as target but few proved to be successful. The
discovery wells L06-02 and G16-01 found gas accumulations in
the Jurassic-Cretaceous strata but were at that time too small
for development.
The estimated total Stock Tank Oil Initially In Place (STOIIP)
in stranded fields amounts to 55 MMm3. The reserves, however,
remain low. A rough estimate is in the order of 5 - 7 MMm3.
The public domain data of the ‘Late Jurassic’ discoveries is
summarized in Table 1.
However, recently due to better understanding of the com-
plex geology of the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous, interest
in this play was renewed. This paper aims (1) to summarize
and reference the Late Jurassic – Early Cretaceous stratigraphic
information in the public domain, (2) to compile a compre-
hensive and integrated stratigraphic framework and (3) topresent two examples of potential plays in the Late Jurassic.
The first example of the latter aim is a speculative paralic/
fluvial Callovian-Oxfordian strat-trap play in the centre of the
rim synclines. The second example is the Spiculite Play.
Database and methodology
There are about 150 released wells in the study area. In the
past, TNO has studied most of these wells biostratigraphically.
This dataset forms the basis for the present study. In addition,
sedimentological, lithological and (limited) seismic information
contributed to the used dataset.
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006222
Schill Grund High
Dutch Central Graben
Step Graben
Terschelling Basin
Horn Graben
Central Offshore Platform
Ameland Block
Lauwerszee Trough
Friesland Platform
Ringkobing-Fyn High
Vlieland Basin
Cleaver Bank High
L03-01
G13-01
L09-02
L06-02 L05-04
L05-03
F18-02
F18-01
F17-04
F15-02
F11-02
F11-01
F05-01
F03-03
F03-01
F15-A-01
F14-06-S1
588507
588507
613507
613507
638507
638507
663507
663507
5 9 3 6 8 9 1
5 9 3 6 8 9 1
5 9 6 1 8 9 1
5 9 6 1 8 9 1
5 9 8 6 8 9 1
5 9 8 6 8 9 1
6 0 1 1 8 9 1
6 0 1 1 8 9 1
6 0 3 6 8 9 1
6 0 3 6 8 9 1
6 0 6 1 8 9 1
6 0 6 1 8 9 1
6 0 8 6 8 9 1
6 0 8 6 8 9 1
Legend
Oil & gas wells
Correlation panel F17-4 - L5-4, Figure 7
Correlation panel F18-1 - L3-1, Figure 10
Seismic line F18-1 - L3-1, Figure 12
Seismic line L5, Figure 8
Basin with Lower Jurassic strata
Basin without Lower Jurassic strata
Platform
Gas field
Oil field
Key wells
SR
QP
O
NMLKJ
H
G
FE
D
B
A
5
87
654
321
9
6
32
87
54
21
987
654
321
87
5
4
1
987
654
321
987
654
321
987
654
321
9
6
3
7
987
654
321
987
654
321
9
6
9
8
7
5
10
16
1413
1110
181716
151413
121110
18
1110
181716
151413
121110
181716
151413
121110
181716
151413
11
10
181716
151413
121110
181716
151413
121110
18
15
12
181716
1413
10
181716
151413
121110
0 2010Kilometers
Fig. 1. Location map and general overview
of the tectonic elements of the northern Dutch
offshore including the Central Graben, Step
Graben and the Terschelling Basin, and the
location of the correlation lines (Figs 7 and 10)
and the location of the seismic lines (Figs 8
and 11).
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Age interpretation
The age interpretations are based on palynology. Due to the
dominance of clastic sediments and the shallow to non-marine
character of the sediments, other fossil groups are of limited
use. The palynostratigraphy is according to Riding & Thomas
(1992), Duxbury et al. (1999) and Herngreen et al. (2000) for
the dinoflagellate cysts, and according to Abbink (1998) and
Herngreen et al. (2000) for the sporomorphs.
Paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic interpretations
The majority of the paleoenvironmental interpretations are
based on palynological data. Based on a paleoecological model,
several Sporomorph EcoGroups (SEGs) can be recognized (for
further explanation see Abbink, 1998; Abbink 2004a, b). The
SEG model allows the recognition of sea-level fluctuations and
climate, based on palynology, in the very shallow to non-
marine environments of the Late Jurassic (Abbink, 1998;
Abbink et al., 2004a and b). Support for the age interpreta-
tions is based on the detailed climate reconstruction by Abbink
et al. (2001). This reconstruction recognizes a number of
relatively distinct climate shifts expressed by the quantitativesporomorph data. These shifts form the boundaries of specific
climate intervals and are considered isochronous for the Dutch
territory.
In addition, core descriptions and, if present, ichnofossil
descriptions were used (Werver, 1996, 1997).
Sea-level fluctuations
The common acceptance of sequence stratigraphic concepts
has led to a major role for sea-level changes in describing and
explaining basin development. After the publication by Haq et
al. (1988) several studies were conducted concerning the sea-
level fluctuations of the Callovian – Ryazanian in Northwest
Europe. Partington et al. (1993) defined and calibrated maxi-
mum flooding surfaces across the North Sea basin. Rioult et al.
(1991), DeGraciansky et al. (1999) and Jacquin et al. (1999)
revised the Haq et al. (1988) curve.
In our study, we have followed the concepts of Vail (e.g.
Vail et al., 1991) complemented with the MFS scheme by
Partington et al. (1993). The SEG model (Abbink et al., 2004a,
b) allows the correlation of MFS into terrestrial settings.
Together with the high resolution climate shifts, the MFS form
a reliable and consistent correlation tool. An overview of the
followed stratigraphy is given in Figure 2.
‘Late Jurassic’ stratigraphic sequences
The presence of three well recognizable unconformities or
their correlatable conformities has led to the recognition of
three major stratigraphic sequences in the ‘Late Jurassic’
interval and one in the overlying Early Cretaceous interval.
These sequences, if preserved, are identifiable throughout the
study area. A schematic diagram of the four sequences with
their key lithostratigraphic units is given in Figure 3. The
lithostratigraphy (Van Adrichem Boogaert & Kouwe, 1993),
with matching colours, is given in Table 2. Sequence 4(Valanginian and younger) is not discussed in detail, as it falls
outside the ‘Late Jurassic’ interval.
Late Jurassic – earliest Cretaceous tectonic activity
Large scale continental movements occurred throughout the
Middle and Late Jurassic. These movements were related to the
break-up of Pangea. For the North Sea region, several, so
called Cimmerian, tectonic phases, are described (e.g. Ziegler,
1990), which significantly affected the Northern Dutch Offshore
(Herngreen & Wong, 1989). During the Middle Jurassic, a doming
event in the North Sea occurred (Mid Cimmerian phase). The
southern extension of this Central North Sea Dome reached
223Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006
Table 1. Summary of Upper Jurassic – Lower Cretaceous oil and gas fields in the study area.
Field Discovery well Discovery date Stratigraphy Sequence Fluid Remark
B18-FA B18-03 1982 Lower Graben Fm. Seq. 1 Oil stranded
F03-FA F03-01 (type well) (F03-08) 1971 (1982) Lower Graben Fm. &. Scruff Greensand Seq. 1&3 Gas stranded
F03-FB F03-03 (F3-FB-101) (type well) 1974 (1992) Lower, Middle and Upper Graben Fm. Seq. 1 Oil & gas producing
F03-FC F03-07 1981 Scruff Greensand Seq. 1 Oil stranded
F14-A F14-05 1986 Lower Graben Fm. Seq. 1 Oil stranded
F17-FA F17-03 1982 Schieland Group Seq. 1 Oil & gas stranded
F17-FB F17-04 (type well) 1982 Schieland Group Seq. 1 Oil stranded
F18-FA F18-01 (type well) 1970 Schieland Group Seq. 2 Oil stranded
G16-FA G16-01 1985 Scruff/Zechstein Seq. 3&1 Gas Production planned
L01-FB L01-03 1985 Schieland Group Seq. 1 Oil stranded
L05-FA L05-05 1988 Terschelling Sandstone Mb. Seq. 1 Oil stranded
L06-FA L06-02 1990 Terschelling Sandstone Mb. Seq. 2 Gas Production planned
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the Dutch offshore, resulting in erosion and non-deposition
during the Middle Jurassic (Underhill & Partington, 1993). This
doming event caused the hiatus between the ‘Late Jurassic’,
and underlying Early Jurassic or older strata in the Northern
Dutch Offshore.
After deflation of the Mid North Sea Dome, a whole series
of basins came into existence, collectively referred to as the
Central Graben ranging from Norway in the north to the
Netherlands in the south. Subsidence of the Dutch Central
Graben led to an overall, stepwise, transgression coming from
the North throughout the ‘Late Jurassic’. The tectonic activity
in the ‘Late Jurassic’ (Late Cimmerian phase) affected
sedimentation patterns in the Central Graben (Ziegler, 1991;
Partington et al., 1993, this paper). The presence of a Late
Cimmerian Unconformity is frequently suggested, and it is
linked with the base of the Cretaceous (‘base Cretaceous
unconformity’). However, several tectonic pulses can be
recognized in the Dutch Central Graben, often indicated by
unconformities or hiatuses. Based on our results, three major
tectonic pulses are present which caused the boundaries
between the recognized sequences. These pulses are suggested
to be related to the rift process in the North Atlantic area
(Ziegler, 1991).
Sequence 1: Middle Callovian – earliest Kimmeridgian
(Fig. 4)
The base corresponds to the inception of the Dutch Central
Graben and varies from Middle Callovian in the north (F3 area)
to earliest Oxfordian in the southernmost part (L05 area).Shallow marine deposits occur in the northern part of the
DCG, while in the southern part (L05 area) non-marine
deposits prevail. Apart from the Dutch Central Graben, most
Dutch basins such as the Terschelling Basin, the Vlieland
Basin, and the Broad Fourteens, West, and Central Netherlands
Basins in the south experienced no sedimentation at this
time. The top of this sequence is marked by an unconformity
in the early Kimmeridgian (Mutabilis Ammonite Chronozone),
caused by local uplift, at least in the south-western part of
the Dutch Central Graben.
Within this Sequence, the Callovian/Oxfordian boundary is
present. This boundary is expressed by the continent-wide J46
MFS which coincides with the base of the Middle Graben Fm.
A characteristic coal doublet or triplet is present in this interval.
Another MFS, the Late Oxfordian J54 MFS forms the base
Kimmeridge Clay Fm. in F9/F6/F3 blocks. The Early Oxfordian
Densiplicatum climate shift is present (Middle Graben Fm.). The
palynological data of the depicted type well F03-03, unfortu-
nately, is not suitable for applying the SEG model (Fig. 4).
However, the climate shift is inferred from many other wells
such as F17-04, L05-03, L05-04 (Abbink et al., 2001), as well
as many un-published wells (TNO in-house information). For
detailed climate information of this time interval, we refer toAbbink et al., 2001.
Sequence 2: Early Kimmeridgian – Early Portlandian
(Fig. 5)
The base of Sequence 2 is dated as Early Kimmeridgian
(Mutabilis Ammonite Chronozone) and the top as early Early
Portlandian (Anguiformis Ammonite Chronozone). The start of
this sequence involved decreased sedimentation rates in the
northern part of the Dutch Central Graben while at the same
time, in the southeast, the Terschelling Basin came into
existence (Figs 3, 5).
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006224
Stage AmmoniteChronozones
2nd order
Late
VALAN
G
IN
IA
N
K I M M E R I D G I A N
Late
runctoni
Late
M i d
d l e
E a r l y calloviense
macrocephalus
jasoncoronatum
athleta
cordatumOXFORDIAN
Early
KIM
M
ER
ID
G
IAN
PORTLANDIAN
Late
Early
V
O
L
G
I
A
NLate
Middle
Early
Late
Early
RYAZANIAN
Early
robustumheteropleurum
involutumpavlowi
multicostatusclarkei
sphaeroidalishollwedensis
polytomus
crassustryptychoides
bidichotomoides
ivanovi
albidumstenomphalus
icenii
primitivusoppressus
anguiformiskerberusokusensis
glaucolithusalbanifittoni
rotunda
pallasioidespectinatus
hudlestoni
scitulus
elegans
eudoxusmutabilis
cymodoce
kochi
lamplughipreplicomphalus
wheatleyensis
autissiodorensis
baylei
tuberculata
E a r l y
E a r l y
CALL
OVIAN
M i d
d l e
rosenkrantziregulareserratum
glosense
tenuiserratumdensiplicatum
lambertimariae
L a
t e
L a
t e
DeGraciansky 1999and others (see refs)
et al.
3rd order
2nd order
3rd order
mfs
sb
falling 136.4
140.2
143.6
148.0
164.7
161.2
155.7
150.8
145.5
141.4
Ages(Ma)
Partington1993et al.
?
??
K10
J76
J74
J73
J72
J71
J66B
J66A
J64J63
J62
J56
J54B
J54A
J52
J46
J44
J42
paucodinium
149.0
L
a
te
J
U
R
A
S
S
IC
E
a
rly
C
R
E
T
A
C
E
O
U
S
Middle
Jura
ssic
Period
Fig. 2. Callovian – Valanginian stratigraphy including the absolute ages,
stages and ammonite chronozones after Gradstein et al. (2005), sea-
level curve (DeGraciansky et al. 1999) and MFS and maximum extent of
corresponding condensed horizon (red triangles) of the J-sequences of
Partington et al. (1993). See text for further explanation.
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225Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006
C a p r o c k
V A L
P O R
T
K I M
C A L
O X
m f s
S o u
t h e r n
C e n
t r a l G r a
b e n
T e r s c
h e
l l i n g
B a s
i n
S c
h i l l G r u n
d
N o r t h e r n
C e n
t r a l G r a
b e n
S t e p
G r a
b e n
E
F r i e s e F r o n t F m
R i f g r o n d e n M b
L o w e r G r a b e n F m
M i d d l e G r a b e n F m
U p p e r G r a b e n F m
P u z z l e
H o l e F m
M G S a n d s t o n e M b
U n n a m e d
K i m m e r i d g e C l a y F m
C
l a y D e e p M b
S c h i l l G r u
n d M b
R Y A
L L E L E E L M L L E M E
S
c r u f f G r e e n s a n d F m
T e r s c h e l l i n g
S a n d s t o n e M b
O y s t e r G r o u n d M b
S c r u f f A r g i l l a c e o u s M b
S c r u f f B a s a l
S a n d s t o n e M b
S c r u f f S p i c u l i t e M b
S t o r t e m e l k M b
C a p r o c k
C a p r o c k
K i m m e r i d g e
C l a y F m
V
l i e l a n d C l a y s t o n e F m
V l i e l a n d C l a y s t o n e F m
V l i e l a n d
S a n d s t o n e F m - F r i e s l a n d M b
1 2 3 4
J 4 6
J 5 4
d e n s i -
p l i c a t u m
k o c h i
s c i t u l u s
J 7 6
M F S
C l i m a t e
J 6 3
J 6 6
W a r m
e r
D r i e r
C o o l e r
M o r e h u m i d
K 1 0
J 7 2
J 6 6 B
J 6 4
J 6 2
J 5 4 A
J 5 2
J 4 4
J 5 4 B
J 4 6
J 4 2
J 6 3
J 5 6
J 6 6 A
J 7 1
J 7 3
J 7 4
J 7 6
K 1 0
J 7 3
h e r v e y
i
c a
l l o v
i e n s e
k o e n
i g i
j a s o n
c o r o n a
t u m
a t h l e t a
c o r d a
t u m
r o b u s
t u m
H e
t e r o p
l e u r
i n v o
l u t u m
p a v
l o w
i
m u
l t i c o s
t a t u s
c l a r k e
i
s p
h a e r o
i d a
l i s
h o
l l w e
d e n s
i s
p o
l y t o m u s
c r a s s u s
t r y p
t y c
h o
b i d i c h o
t o
i v a n o v
i
a l b i d u m
s t e n o m p
h
i c e n
i i
p r i m
i t i v u s
k e r b e r u s
o k u s e n s
i s
g l a u c o
l i t h u s
a l b a n
i
f i t t o n
i
r o t u n
d a
p a
l l a s
i o i d e s
p e c
t i n a
t u s
h u
d l e s
t o n
i
s c
i t u l u s
e l e g a n s
e u
d o x u s
m u
t a b i l i s
c y m o
d o c e
p r e p
l i c o m p
h
w h e a
t l e y e n s
a u
t i s s
i o d o r
b a y
l e i
t u b e r c u
l a t a
r o s e n
k r a n
t z i
r e g u
l a r e
s e r r a
t u m
g l o s e n s e
t e n u
i s e r r a
t u m
d e n s
i p l i c a
t u m
l a m
b e r t i
m a r i a e
o p p r e s s u s
a n g u
i f o r m
i s
r u n c
t o n
i
k o c
h i
l a m p
l u g
h i
F i g .
3 .
S c h e m a t i c d i a g r a m o
f t h e f o u r s e q u e n c e s w i t h k e y l i t h o s t r a t i g r a p h i c u n i t s o f t h e n o r t h e r n
D u t c h o f f s h o r e .
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This sequence contains two major MFS, the Early Kimmerid-
gian J63 MFS which shows the first marine ingressions in the
Terschelling Basin and the Late Kimmeridgian J66 MFS which
coincides with the top of the Terschelling Sandstone Mb. (Fig. 5).
The beginning of the Late Jurassic arid phase, marked by the
Late Kimmeridgian Scitulus climate shift, correlates to the base
Oyster Ground Claystone Mb. Sequences 2 and 3 are relatively
thick in the Terschelling Basin as compared to the Central
Graben. Moreover, a hiatus occurs in the Central Graben, but
deposition was continuous in the depocentre of the TerschellingBasin. The SEG data from well L06-02 clearly show a strong
increase in ‘Coastal Warm’ elements (Fig. 5). This EcoGroup is
normally present along the marine coast. However, their
dominance suggests invasion of the lowland area. This is
indicative of (very) arid conditions (Abbink et al., 2001).
Sequence 3: late Early Portlandian – Ryazanian (Fig. 6)
The base of Sequence 3 is dated as late Early Portlandian
(Anguiformis Ammonite Chronozone) and the top as basal
Valanginian (‘base Cretaceous’). Within this sequence all other
‘Late Jurassic’ basins also came into existence and all previous
deposits were overstepped. The Early Portlandian J73 MFS is
represented in a large part of the Dutch offshore (Spiculite
Mb. and correlative equivalents). The Early Ryazanian J76 MFS
forms the base Clay Deep and Schill Grund Mbs. Within this
sequence the Early Ryazanian Kochi climate shift (± base
Stortemelk Mb.) is a significant marker. Within Sequence 3,
the arid phase ended, and the climate returned to wet, tropical
conditions (‘Wealden’ facies) as indicated by the SEGs (Fig. 6;
see also Abbink et al., 2001).
Younger sequences
Although not further discussed here, the base of the overlying
sequence (4) is formed by a regional, overall Cretaceous
transgression. All intermediate highs and non-marine areas
show marine depositions from this time onward. Locally, the
base of this sequence may be formed by a hiatus (Fig. 11).
Potential oil and gas play prospects inthe Dutch ‘Late Jurassic’
A play, in petroleum geological terms, consists of three essential
elements: the source rock, the reservoir, and the seal. These
elements can be mapped on their presence or absence but they
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006226
Rijnland Group KN Vlieland Oost-1 1522 m - 2246 m
Vlieland Claystone Fm KNNC Vlieland Oost-1 1650 m - 220 m
Vlieland Sandstone Fm KNNS Vlieland Oost-1 2200 m - 2246 m
Friesland Mb KNNSF Vlieland Oost-1 2200 m - 2246 m
Scruff Group SG F03-3 1682 m - 2547 m
Scruff Greensand Fm SGGS F15-2 3021 m - 3276 m
Stortemelk Mb SGGSS F18-2 2079 m - 2105 m
Scruff Spiculite Mb SGGSP F18-1 2193 m - 2230 m
Scruff Argillaceous Mb SGGSA F15-2 3065 m - 3246 m
Scruff Basal Sandstone Mb SGGSB F15-2 3246 m - 3267 m
Kimmeridge Clay Fm SGKI F03-3 1780 m - 2547 m
Schill Grund Mb SGKIS F18-2 2042 m - 2079 m
Clay Deep Mb SGKIC B18-2 2225 m - 2357 m
Schieland Group SL Nieuwerkerk-1 1052 m - 1942 m
Delfland Subgroup SLD F03-3 2547 m - 3652 mCentral Graben Subgroup SLC F03-3 2547 m - 3652 m
Friese Front Fm SLCF F18-2 2440 m - 2734 m
Terschelling Sandstone Mb SLCFT L09-2 3028 m - 3054 m
Oyster Ground Claystone Mb SLCFO F18-2 2440 m - 2512 m
‘Main Friese Front Mb’ SLCFM
Rifgronden Mb SLCFR F17-4 2497 m - 2572 m
Puzzle Hole Fm SLCP F11-2 2175 m - 2397 m
Upper Graben Fm SLCU F03-3 2547 m - 2670 m
Middle Graben Fm SLCM F03-3 2670 m - 3090 m
Middle Graben Sandstone Mb SLCMS F05-1 2628 m - 2648 m
Lower Graben F m SLCL F03-3 3090 m - 3652 m
Table 2. ‘Late Jurassic’ lithostratigraphic subdivision, including abbreviations and type sections. Colours correspond to the formation colours in Figure 3.
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may also be mapped in more detail. For example, the source
rock maturity, or the reservoir thickness or quality can be
mapped. Play mapping is a prerequisite for the understanding
of the petroleum system in which the play-maps are integrated
with timing of the various events such as structuration,
maturation and migration.
In our study area the ‘Late Jurassic’ play is a proven play
concept. Various fields (Table 1) are found with oil or gas
accumulations in ‘Late Jurassic’ reservoirs. Hydrocarbon typing
indicates that the oil is predominantly sourced from the Jurassic
Posidonia Shale and the gas from the Carboniferous. All fields
listed in table 1 are structural closures such as four way dip
closure on the top of a salt dome (F18-FA or L6-A) or a turtle
back structure like F3-FB, although the structure of the latter
field is considered to include a strat-trap component. In the
following section, two different ‘Late Jurassic’ play types are
described.
227Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006
3
1
J46
J54
J76
densiplicatum
?
?
HIATUS
F03-03GR DT
J73
K10
2 E .
P o r t l a n d -
K i m m e r d g i a n
E a r
l y K i m m e r i d g i a n
O x f o r d i a n
L. PortlRyazan
C a l l o v i a n
J63
E a r l y
J u r a s s i c
S L C L
S L C M
S L C U
S G K I
S G K I
SGKIC
SGGS
1600 m
1650 m
1700 m
1750 m
1800 m
1850 m
1900 m
1950 m
2000 m
2050 m
2100 m
2150 m
2200 m
2250 m
2300 m
2350 m
2400 m
2450 m
2500 m
2550 m
2600 m
2650 m
2700 m
2750 m
2800 m
2850 m
2900 m
2950 m
3000 m
3050 m
3100 m
3150 m
3200 m
3250 m
3300 m
3350 m
3400 m
3450 m
3500 m
3550 m
3600 m
3650 m
3700 m Fig. 4. Example of Sequence 1 in wellF03-03 with major MFS (J numbers)
and climate shifts.
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Paralic/fluvial Sequence 1 strat-trap play
Source rock
The source rock for this play in case of oil is the Early Jurassic
Posidonia Shale. Claystone intervals in the Kimmeridgian or
the Ryazanian Clay Deep Formation may also contain source
rock quality beds (from Lokhorst et al., 1998). The main
source rocks for the gas accumulations in this play are the
Carboniferous coals and bituminous shales. The migration
route may be tortuous and long but is proven to be present
because Carboniferous sourced gas is found above the regional
Zechstein seal in the Jurassic-Cretaceous L6-A & G16-A gas
fields.
Seal
Seals for the Sequence 1 reservoirs in the oilfields in the study
area (Table 1) are the Vlieland Claystone in a truncation trap
configuration. In addition, clay intervals in Sequence 1
deposited under higher base-level or sea-level conditions may
prove to be laterally extensive and may act as an intra-
formational seals (stratigraphic traps) for the intercalated
channel sandstones. In general, the terrestrial and paralic clays
within the Sequence 1 do not appear to possess a seal capacity
for gas. Moreover, locally the sealing capacity may be low due
to the nature of the claystones, possibly due to soil formation
processes. This may have created a fine network of minor seal
breaches which is presumed to act as the migration route for
gas but, in general, not for oil. Oil seals may, therefore, be
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006228
K10
J63
J76
scitulus
?
L06-02 2100m
J66
J73
GR DT
3 kochi
2
Lowland ‘cooler’Coastal ‘cooler’Lowland ‘warmer’Coastal ‘warmer’
L a t e
R y a z a n i a n
P o r t l a n d i a n
L a t e K i m m e r i d g i a n
E a r l y K i m m e r i d g i a n
EarlyRyazan
Permian
S L C F M
S L C F O
SLCFT
S G K I
S G G S
SGGSS
2125 m
2150 m
2175 m
2200 m
2225 m
2250 m
2275 m
2325 m
2350 m
2375 m
2400 m
2425 m
2450 m
2475 m
2500 m
2525 m
2550 m
2575 m
2600 m
2625 m
2650 m
2675 m
2700 m
2725 m
2300 m
Fig. 5. Example of Sequence 2
in well L06-02 with major MFS
(J numbers) and climate shifts.
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formed by above mentioned clay prone intervals in the succes-
sion. The presence of stacked oil-water contacts in, for example,
the L05-FA field indicates that claystones have a sealing
capacity, and that stratigraphic traps occur in Sequence 1.
Reservoir
Sequence 1 comprises interbedded claystones and sandstones
of non-marine to very shallow marine (lagoonal) origin.
Correlation of the various sequences between wells based on
well logs is rather difficult. An example of the classic log
correlation between wells one based on the thick sandy inter-
vals is shown in Figure 7 (correlation highlighted in yellow).
However, integration of the biostratigraphical information and
facies interpretation from cores provides a different picture. In
particular, the SEG information provides a number of discrete,
isochronous events. The Densiplicatum climate shift (after
Abbink et al. 2001) is given in red (Fig. 7). The MFS are based
on the Coastal/Lowland ratio (Fig. 7; green curve; see Abbink
et al., 2004a, b). Sand bodies, stacked channel sandstones and
tidal channels, appear discontinuous and are enclosed in
floodplain and lagoonal clays with common soil horizons. The
seismic facies of Sequence 1 is characterized by discontinuous
reflectors (Fig. 8) which can be explained by the discontinuous
nature of the Sequence 1 sandstones.In Figure 9, a seismic time thickness map for the Dutch
Central Graben is given. This relative thickness map approxi-
mates the thickness of Sequence 1 in the Dutch Central Graben.
In the Terschelling Basin (Fig. 1), this map mainly reflects the
thickness of Sequence 2 (Fig. 9). From the seismic time thick-
ness map of Sequence 1 in the Dutch Central Graben (Fig. 9),
it may be deduced that these highs were in late Jurassic times
also highs, incipient highs or basin fringes. It may be concluded
that the major fluviatile axes were situated in the lows
between these highs and that the most sand prone interval of
the paralic/fluvial Early and Middle Graben Formation will also
be situated in the lows (Fig. 10). Almost all wells in the study
area that penetrate Sequence 1 are situated on present day
229Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006
G13-01
GR DT
K10
J733
4
kochi J76
Lowland ‘cooler’
Coastal ‘cooler’Lowland ‘warmer’Coastal ‘warmer’
V a l a n g i n i a n
- H a u t e r i v i a n
L R y a z
P o r t -
E
R y a z
Humidity
Temperature
Permian
SGGS
SGKIS
K N
N C
2350 m
2355 m
2360 m
2365 m
2370 m
2375 m
2380 m
2385 m
2390 m
2395 m
2400 m
2405 m
2410 m
2415 m
2420 m
2425 m
2430 m
2435 m
2440 m
2445 m
2450 m
2455 m
2460 m
2465 m
2470 m
2475 m
2480 m
Fig. 6. Example of Sequence 3 in well G13-01 with major MFS (J numbers) and climate shifts. The SEG curves indicate the change from ‘Late Jurassic
arid phase’ to the Early Cretaceous wet ‘Wealden’ conditions (yellow line).
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Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006230
?
M
2 7 5 0
2 5 7 5
L 0 5 - 0 3
2 5 3 0
2 6 0 0
2 7 0 0
2 7 7 0
2 5 5 0
2 7 4 5
2 6 5 0
0
A g e
D e p t h
G a m m a - R a y
S a m p l e s
L i t h o l o g y
1 5 0
A P I
R y a z a n i a n
E a r l y
J u r a s s i c
L a t e M i d d l e m u t a
b a y l
r o s e
? r e g u
s e r r
g l o s
t e n u
d e n s
O X F O R D I A N
? c o r d
C
/ L
0
1 . 0
C l i m a t e s h i f t
P a l y n o l o g y
D e p t h
C
/ L
0
1 . 0
2 7 5 0
2 6 5 0
2 8 2 5
2 6 0 0
2 7 0 0
2 8 0 0
L 0 5 - 0 4
2 8 5 0
0
O X F O R D I A N A g e
G a m m a - R a y
S a m p l e s
L i t h o l o g y
1 5 0
A P I
R y a z a n i a n
E a r l y
J u r a s s i c
L a t e M i d d l e c o r d
E a r l y b a y l
E a r l y C A
r o s e
? r e g u
s e r r a
g l o s
t e n u
d e n s
l a m b
m a r i
C l i m a t e s h i f t
P a l y n o l o g y
N
S
J 4 6
J 5 4
d e n s i p l i c a t u m
C l i m a t e S h i f t
C
/ L
0
1 . 0
2 5 9 0
2 3 7 0
0
p . p C A L L O V I A N
E a r l y L a t e M i d d l e
O X F O R D I A N
p . p A g e
2 4 5 0
2 5 5 0
2 4 0 0
2 4 1 1
2 5 0 0
2 5 7 2
D e p t h ( m )
G a m m a R a y
S a m p l e s
L i t h o l o g y
1 5 0
A P I
U
R y a z a n i a n
l a t e E
a r l y
J u r a s s i c
c o r d
d e n s
l a m b
m a r i
F 1 7 - 0 4
P a l y n o l o g y
C l i m a t e s
h i f t
2 1
3
3
3
1
1
2 7 k m
2 k m
K I M
K I M M
E a r l y
P o r t l a n d i a n
p . p
p . p
F i g 7 .
C o r r e l a t i o n p a n e l f r o m F
1 7 - 0
4 t o L 0 5 - 0
3 / L 0 5 - 0
4 ( n o r t h - s o u t h ) .
T h e r e c o g n i z e d J - s e q u e n c e M
F S ( b l u e c o r r e l a t i o n l i n e s ) a r e b a s e d o n t h e S E G C / L c u r v e ( s e e t e x t f o r f u r t h e r e x p l a n a t i o n ) .
T h e D e n s i p l i c a t u m
c l i m a t e
s h i f t c o r r e l a t i o n ( r e d l i n e ) i s a f t e r A b b i n k e t
a l . ( 2 0 0 1 ) .
N o t e t h a t t h e i s o c h r o n o u s c o r r e l a t i o n l i n e s ( M F S , c l i m a t e s h i f t ) a r e i n c o n f l i c t
w i t h t h e l i t h o l o g i c a l c o r r e l a t i o n s ( m a r k e d b y
t h e y e l l o w p l a n e ) .
T h i s i l l u
s t r a t e s t h e d i s c o n t i n u o u s n a t u r e o f t h e c h a n n e l s a n d s . T h e l o c a t i o n i s g i v e n i n F i g u r e 1 .
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structural highs (Figs 1, 9) except for the wells F03 field.
Although on a present day high (turtle back structure), the
F03 oil field is situated in the basin axis in which an increased
sand content is present (i.e. in the basin centre of Figure 10).
This supports the concept that, during Sequence 1, more
(most) sand was deposited in the central, deeper parts of the
Dutch Central Graben along the major fluviatile axes.
Concept and model for the Sequence 1 strat-trap play
Figure 10 schematically shows the major play elements. The
Posidonia Shale is underlying the presumed Sequence 1 reservoir
interval. In the present day basin axis of the Central Graben, the
Posidonia Shale is a good quality, mature oil source rock. When
migrating upwards, the oil entered the Sequence 1 sediments
and the channel sandstones acted as a favourable fairway.
However, these sandstones are laterally discontinuous and areenclosed within claystones which may provide top and seat seal
resulting in a stratigraphic trap in which the oil accumulates.
The main play risk is the quality of the seal. The presence of
oil accumulations up dip from the basin centre (e.g. L05-FA)
with stacked oil-water contacts is considered support for the
sealing quality of the claystones. However, it may be concluded
that the oil passed the strat-trap. This may suggest the stat-
trap play lacks seal integrity in some cases. Alternatively, it
may be concluded that the strat-trap is filled to spill point
and excess oil bypassed the oil filled stacked channel sands.
Shallow marine Sequence 3, Spiculite play
Source rock
The Spiculite play is thought to be primarily a gas play but it
could also be an oil play under the right conditions. The source
rocks are the same as described in the section on the strat-trap play.
231Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006
2
1
3
L05-03/04
W
L05-03/04 L03-01W E23 km
Fig. 8. Seismic profile of the L05-03/04 area towards L03-01 (W-E) showing the overall view (right hand corner) and the details image (flattened on
the base of Sequence 3; green line). The base of Sequence 1 is indicated with light green, and the base of Sequence 2 with pink. Sequence 1 thickens
from the sides towards the centre of the sync line. Note the discontinuous (channel?) nature of the ref lections compared to those of Sequence 2. The
location is given in Figure 1.
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Spiculite reservoir
The main focus of this section is to present ideas on the
distribution of the Spiculite reservoir. This is done by proposing
a conceptual model based on wells F18-01 and L03-01 (Fig. 11).
The reservoir of this play comprises the sandstones of the
Spiculite Member of the Late Jurassic Scruff Greensand
Formation (Sequence 3). The name Spiculite Member is given
to the unit because of the abundance of sponge spicules in the
sediment; in some cases spicules make up the bulk of the
framework forming a bioclastic sandstone. Spicules are the
skeletal elements of sponges. The spicules in the sediments of
Spiculite Member are determined to be mona-, tri- and possibly
tetraxons of amorphous silica and are interpreted to be the
remnants of the siliceous sponges (Demospongia).
Regional correlation of the Spiculite Member shows
remarkable thickness variations (Figs 11, 12). The Spiculite
Member in the F18-01 well is about 40m whereas in well L03-01
it is about three times thicker. Biostratigraphical data proves
that in both locations the time span represented by the
sediments is the same. In both wells no erosion of the top of
the formation occurred nor is the basal part missing due to
onlap. The thickening observed in the wells is also visible on
seismic (Fig. 12). From F18-01 situated on the top of a salt
dome, the Spiculite Member thickens towards L03-01. Hence, the
section in F18-01 is considered condensed relative to L03-01.
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006232
L03-01
L09-02
L06-02L05-04
L05-03
F18-01F18-02F17-04
F15-A-01
F15-02
F14-06-S1
F11-02
F11-01
F05-01
F03-03
F03-01
B18-02
0 10 20 km
Fig. 9. Seismic time thickness map approximating the relative thickness of Sequence 1 in the Central Graben and the relative thickness of Sequence 2 in
the Terschelling Basin (red is thickest; dark blue is thinnest). Note that this map based on a relatively low dataset, and it is for explanatory purposes only.
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Cores from the Spiculite Member of the two wells were
described in detail (Werver, 1996). The sediments comprise
intensely bioturbated, fine grained, glauconitic sandstones
and clayey sandstones with no sedimentary structures except
for ichnofossils traces (Fig. 13). The intense bioturbation and
the presence of a fair amount of glauconite in the sediment
are the result of low sedimentation rates in a shallow marine
environment (Odin et al., 1981). Remarkable is the difference
in clay content (observed macroscopically in cores as well as in
thin sections (Figs 13, 14). In F18-01, it is relatively low com-
pared to L03-01. A detailed depositional environment inter-
pretation was made using ichnofossil associations (Fig. 13).
This indicates that the depositional environment of F18-01 is
predominantly offshore to shoreface whereas an open marine
shelf environment is interpreted in L03-01. This interpretation
is in line with the difference in clay content. Note the change
in amplitude on the seismic section (Fig. 11) of the top
Spiculite which hints on laterally varying impedance contrast.
This may be due to lithology effects or be an indication of a
porosity trend.
Qualitative petrographical evaluation of a series of thin
sections from the cores of both wells confirmed the macroscopicobservations above and revealed additional differences (Fig. 14):
– The content of sponge spicules in F18-01 is visibly higher
than in L03-01.
– The amount of glauconite grains in L03-01 appears to be
higher than in F18-01.
– Visible porosity in F18-01 is high whereas in L03-01 visible
porosity is almost non-existent.
– In F18-01 a fair amount of the sponge spicules were dissolved
resulting in a high percentage of mouldic pores. On the other
hand primary porosity is reduced due to plugging with micro-
crystalline quartz cement, thus creating an inverse frame-
work. In the thin sections of L03-01 visible porosity is low
and sponge spicules can be recognized as framework grains.
The resulting reservoir properties of the two facies are
remarkably different (Figs 14, 15). F18-01 shows excellent
reservoir quality both in porosity and permeability whereas in
L03-01 the permeability is very low (Fig. 15).
Concept and model for the Spiculite reservoir location
and quality
The abundance of siliceous sponge reefs occurring in the Late
Jurassic which appears to be quite unique phenomena (Kiessling
et al., 1999). Siliceous demosponges rarely are preserved as
they disintegrate when deceased, leaving only their skeletal
elements, the spicules, behind. Demosponges are active filter
feeding organisms consuming predominantly nannoplankton,
mainly bacteria. As the abundance of bacteria decrease with
depth this class of sponges can be found in shallow marine
(30 - 90 m) depositional environments. Demosponges are sensi-
tive to sediment input because sediment particles clog up their
inhalant pores (Leinfelder et al., 1996). The Spiculite of F18
and L3 can be interpreted bearing this information in mind.
The high concentration of spicules can be explained by a
sponge bloom. The Late Eocene biosiliceous, sponge rich sedi-ments of South-western Australia are thought to be an analogue
(Gammon et al., 2000). The sediments seen in F18-01 are similar
to the pure spiculite, Sp2, facies and the sediments of L03-01
fit better in the muddy spiculite (Sp1) facies of Gammon et al.
(2000). Gammon et al. (2000) explained the extraordinary
bloom of siliceous sponges by proposing an semi enclosed
marine environment where influx of nutrient rich (including
silica) waters entered this environment from the hinterland.
The semi-enclosed nature of the depositional area prevented
the silica from being diluted or buffered directly by ‘open
marine’ or oceanic waters.
During ‘Sequence 3’ the southern part of the Central Graben
had an elongated nature. Local seafloor topography was created
233Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006
Base Sequence 2
EarlyJurassicdeposits
EarlyJurassicsource rocks
Salt diapirs
Base Sequence 1
Reservoir bodies
MFS
Migrationpathways
Overlying Sequence 2
and younger strata
EarlyJurassic-Triassic deposits
Fig. 10. Schematic diagram of the Sequence 1 strat-trap play. The diagram runs across the main fluviatile graben axis. Schematically, the wells located
on the left may represent the L05-03/04 wells.
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by incipient doming of the Zechstein salt. This basin
configuration can be regarded as a semi enclosed marine
depositional area where mixing with open marine waters was
retarded (Fig. 16). A relative sea-level high encroached the
landmass. This reduced the gradient and the drainage area of
the fluvial system resulting in a low sediment input of predomi-
nantly fine grained sediments. The warm climate with occasional
rainfall favoured chemical weathering, releasing many nutrients
including silica. Additionally the existence of a volcano in this
area (Mijnlieff, 2001), active in Late Jurassic times, may have
added extra nutrients to the system, favouring growth of
sponges or the bacteria on which sponges feed (Fig. 16).
In this shallow sea, seafloor highs, (incipient doming or
alternatively by tilted fault blocks) were sites were the hydro-
dynamic energy was relatively high compared to neighbouring
lows. At these sites clear water was predominant because clay
bypassed and was trapped in relatively low energy sites.
Submarine ‘highs’ were therefore favourable sites for sponge
growth. As they bloomed, died and disintegrated their frame-
work elements, the sponge spicules, were released into the
environment and were deposited nearby. The concentration of
spicules is thus highest close to the high and becomes diluted
away from these localities. During the time of deposition of the
Spiculite, these paleo-highs remained shallow marine because
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006234
Fig. 11. Correlation panel from well
F18-01 to L03-01 illustrating the
thickness change of the Spiculite and
Sequence 3. Sequence 3 sits between
the ‘3’ marker and the blue KNNC
marker (the 3a and 3b markers are
intra sequence markers). The Spiculite
sits between correlation lines SGGSP
(Scruff Group Greensand Spiculite
Member) and SGGSS (Scruff Group
Greensand Stortemelk Member) and is
highlighted in blue.
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235Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006
F18-01 F18-02 Towards L03-01
Near base Spiculite
Thinning and possibletruncation of Spiculite
Near base Rijnland
2
3
4
3 km
Fig. 12. Seismic section from well F18-01 towards L03-01. Yellow dotted line approximates the base of the Spiculite and is equivalents, the green line
is the base of Sequence 3, the dotted light blue line is the base of Sequence 4. Note the dimming of the amplitudes from the left to the right side of
well F18-02.
Zoophycus
Paleophycus Phoebichnus
Fig. 13. Core photographs from well F18-01 (2208.80 m and 2208.90 m) showing the typical, thoroughly bioturbated fine-
grained sandstones of the Spiculite. (Photo’s courtesy of O. Werver).
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of continuous salt movement while the surrounding areas
subsided creating extra accommodation space. This resulted in
a sediment pile reduced in thickness (but sandy because of
the winnowing) on the highs compared to off-high positions.
Further salt doming in combination with a relative sea-level
low resulted in the sub-aerial exposure and erosion of, especially,
the basin highs at the base of Sequence 4 (base Rijnland Group;
Fig. 12). The sub-aerial exposure is evidenced by a hard ground,
a hematite cemented zone with mouldic pores, as seen in e.g.
the well L09-02 (Van Adrichem Boogaert & Kouwe, 1993). In well
F18-01, meteoric waters caused leaching of fragile frameworkduring sub-aerial exposure resulting in the inverse framework
(Fig. 14).
Seal and structure
The seal of the Spiculite play can be the overlying claystones
of the Kimmeridge Claystone Formation (either the from Clay
Deep or the Schill Grund Member). The sealing capacity of
these claystones is limited because of the occasional presence
of sand stringers. The ultimate seal for both oil and gas is the
Vlieland Claystone. At the base of the Vlieland Claystone an
unconformity is present which may, locally, cut as deep in the
underlying strata as the reservoir sandstones of the Spiculite
play, removing the overlying non-reservoir horizons or waste
zones (Fig. 12). Possible trap configurations of this play include:
– a four way dip closure with the reservoir truncated and
sealed by the Vlieland Claystone on top of a salt dome;
– a truncation trap configuration on the flank of a dome with
the reservoir sealed by the Vlieland Claystone.
Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006236
F18-01 L03-01
Sponge Spicules
Mouldic pores
after spicules
Framework
(Quartz)grains
Glauconite grains
Fig. 14. Photomicrographs of thin sections of core samples from F18-01 (left) and L03-01 (right). The F18-01 sample indicates shallow marine and
relative high energy conditions. The L03-01 sample indicates slightly less shallow marine and relatively low energy conditions.
0.001
0.01
0.1
1
10
100
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Porosity (%)
P e r m e a
b i l i t y ( m D )
F18-1 L3 -1
Fig. 15. Porosity-permeability cross-plot of wells F18-01 and L03-01.
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All elements for the play in the F18-01 location are
present: good reservoir, gas in the system and a seal present.
Only the structure at top reservoir is lacking. The seal, near
base Rijnland, shown in Figure 12 is not in a trap configuration.
Prospects may be defined using the reservoir distribution
concept together with a top reservoir map and a base Cretaceous
structure map. When drilled this possibly may result in a field
as, for example, the F3-FA field.
Conclusions
During the ‘Late Jurassic’ a complex geological setting
developed in the Dutch Northern Offshore. Within this setting
three distinct stratigraphic sequences can be recognized. These
sequences are punctuated by, at least, two significant MFSper sequence. Each sequence has its own, relatively unique,
geological history. These sequences can be correlated with
major changes in sea level and climate and are bounded by
well defined dis- and unconformities.
Within sequence 1 a possible target for exploration may be
channel sandstones deposited in the basin axis. They are
presently concentrated in the structural lows and, therefore,
this play relies on a stratigraphic trap configuration.
Within Sequence 3, the Spiculite sandstone is the play. The
reservoir sands were deposited in a semi-enclosed marine
environment where subtle seafloor topography, low sediment
input and, in particular, nutrient conditions were favourable
factors for preferential growth of siliceous sponge reefs. The
accumulation of the spicules on the site of the reef produces
an excellent bioclastic sandstone reservoir. Later dissolution
of the spicules due to percolating (meteoric) water at the time
of the Sequence 4 sequence boundary further enhanced the
reservoir quality.
The integrated approach with the use of high resolution
biostratigraphic, sedimentological, lithological, paleoenviron-
mental and paleoclimatic data enables the reconstruction of
the geological history. In particular, the integration of all
tools to reconstruct the ‘Late Jurassic’ earth has significant
impact on the exploration models.
Acknowledgements
This article is based on a study carried out for Energie BeheerNederland B.V. which we acknowledge for their financial
support and permission for publication. TNO is thanked for
additional financial and material support. Onno Werver is
thanked for his kind cooperation. Susan Kerstholt, Waldemar
Herngreen and Rob Van Eijs are thanked for their support.
Theo Wong, Kees van der Zwan, Gordon Forbes and an unknown
reviewer are thanked for constructive remarks.
237Netherlands Journal of Geosciences — Geologie en Mijnbouw | 85 – 3 | 2006
Posidonia
Zechstein saltRotliegend
Carboniferous
Schieland Group
Scruff Greenland Fm.
sponge spicules
sponges
clay
sand
coal
evaporites
channel sands
oil migration route
gas migration route
Fig. 16. Schematic diagram of the Spiculite (Sequence 3) play.
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