Reservoir impact of small-scale aeolian dune architecture: from acquisition to simulation in the Wahiba Sands, Oman

Small-scale dune heterogeneity has a significant impact upon recoverable reserves within aeolian hydrocarbon reservoirs. Complex geometries exist, with bounding surfaces and primary strata types often negatively impacting fluid flow. Incorporating the effects of such architectural elements into reservoir models is essential when accurately determining their effect on development strategies. In order to assess their impact, we acquired a small pseudo-3D dataset from the Wahiba Sands, Sultanate of Oman, using ground-penetrating radar (GPR). In this paper we discuss the acquisition, processing and modelling of this dataset. Data are interpreted to be of a small linear dune. Radar stratigraphic units have been interpreted and mapped in 3D; a small-scale analogue reservoir model has been produced. Simulation studies have been conducted to assess the impact of a range of sensitivities, including the affects of permeability contrast, flow direction and capillary pressure. Results indicate that permeability contrasts have a significant impact on recovery, whilst flow direction is the dominant factor. The resulting models may not be directly transferable to a specific subsurface scenario, but the generic spatial information can be a useful guide.