Geological modelling of a reservoir analogue; Cenozoic meander belts, Loranca Basin, Spain

The reconstruction of meander belts was approached by detailed geological mapping, the interpretation of exposed sandstone bodies and the application of sedimentological concepts. The single reconstructed meander belts were integrated, considering stratigraphic position and thickness in a three-dimensional model of the depositional architecture. Some useful reservoir parameters, such as volume of meander loops, areas of interconnection and fluid flow barriers, are calculated from the obtained model. Sandstone porosity is mainly of primary origin and mechanical compaction is the most intense diagenetic feature. Models of estimated permeability evolution in the point bar sequences have been developed. Gamma ray readings from different lithologies were obtained and grouped according to their palaeoenvironmental classification. The results are comparable to well logs and aid subenvironmental characterization of continental deposits.