Application of a Least Square Non-parametric Discovery Process Model to Colorado Group Mixed Conventional and Unconventional Oil Plays, Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

A least squares non-parametric discovery process model has been developed recently for assessing petroleum resources in mature plays with complex size distribution characteristics. Applications of this model to oil plays in the Colorado Group suggests that these techniques can be used to assess petroleum plays composed of a mixture of pools comprising both conventional and unconventional petroleum accumulations. We use the Cardium oil play of the Colorado Group in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin to illustrate use of the non-parametric approach for such a mixed petroleum play. Our Colorado Group resource assessment indicates a large remaining oil resource potential in this petroleum system, largely in tight unconventional reservoirs.