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PROCEEDINGS, INDONESIAN PETROLEUM ASSOCIATION

Thirty-Fourth Annual Convention & Exhibition, May 2010

DEPOSITION HISTORY OF NORTH BELUT FIELD INTEGRATED ANALYSIS OF CORE,

ELECTRIC LOG AND SEISMIC DATA

Bowo Pangarso*
Edo Hartadi*
Irene Sihombing*
Joel Guttormsen*
Peter Schmitz**
Retno Wijayanti*
Yan Darmadi*

ABSTRACT High frequency sequences were developed that

North Belut is a large gas field located in Block B,
South Natuna Sea, Indonesia. The accumulation is
characterized by a 1500ft gross section of stacked
sands deposited in fluvio-deltaic environments
within the Udang and Gabus Formations. The field
was originally defined with 6 exploration and
appraisal wells and is currently under a
development drilling phase.
The North Belut Field was part of a transitional
succession that evolved from isolated rift basins to
widespread shallow marine conditions (since
Eocene time). The reservoir section was deposited
in fluvial, deltaic, and estuarine environments. The
clastic systems of the Udang and Gabus formations
are predominately near shore deposits in fluvial
deltaic to distal deltaic processes. These sediments
show a high sequence frequency in an overall
regressive system. These units are punctuated by
sub-regional flooding surfaces. Clastic units of 1 to
25 m thickness are common in the 1500ft
sedimentary column. Units of the Gabus thicken
off structure to the north along the back of the
paleo-structure.
Detailed stratigraphic analysis combining well log
and seismic data have been used to correlate the
high frequency of the depositional cycles within the
North Belut Field.
The North Belut Structure is a paleo-high that was
filled in during the post-rift phase of deposition of
the Gabus and early Udang formations. A series of
northeasterly trending deltaic to distal deltaic
deposits developed along an NE trending axis north
of the North Belut structure during the Oligocene.
* ConocoPhillips Indonesia Inc. Ltd
** COP Houston
range from distal deltaic to distributary channel
deposits. Forced regressions have been documented.
Sequence boundary 330 developed during the early
syn-inversion time and represents a significant
change of sediment input. Above sequence
boundary 330, within the Udang Formation, the
source providence shifted to the Sunda High to the
SE. Depositional units of the upper Udang range
from prodelta to deltaic. Mouth Bar sands in these
upper units were deposited in at least two
depocenters, but the sands generally pinchout
downdip.
This new look at North Belut addresses the complex
stratigraphy and demonstrates how new data should
be incorporated early in the development phase.
INTRODUCTION
The North Belut Field is one of the largest
hydrocarbon bearing structures in the West Natuna
Basin located in the South Natuna Sea Block B
PSC, approximately 65 km northeast of the Belanak
production hub (figure 1). Six exploration and
appraisal wells have been drilled. The field was
discovered in 1974 by the North Belut-1 and was
further delineated by five additional appraisal wells.
The accumulation contains gas, condensate, and oil,
the properties of which have been confirmed by
several DSTs and development well tests.
The gross structure is approximately 22 km in
length and 5 km in width. The main gas column is
over 1500 ft, and the average water depth is 320 ft.
The stratigraphic complexity of North Belut,
characterized by multiple, stacked, thin pay sands,
presents a significant development challenge.
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A number of separate reservoirs are hydrocarbon
bearing, including five Udang zones (1A, 1, 2, 3
and 4) and two Gabus zones (1 and 2). The
overlying Barat shale provides top seal as well as
side-seal to the northeast.
The North Belut structure is an elongate NE-SW
trending faulted anticline. The crest of the structure
can be divided into three areas; a northern
culmination, a central saddle, and a southern
culmination. These three areas are defined by faults
that are roughly perpendicular to the main NE to
SW trend of the North Belut structure. Generally
the northwest flank of the North Belut field
structure has 5 degrees of dip toward the northwest.
The structure is cut by NW-SE normal faults, many
of which have recent fault movement with minor
offset through the entire Middle Miocene
Pleistocene Muda section. Some sole out in the
overlying Barat shales. Several of these faults
appear to offset the reservoir with throws of ~100ft
and may be sealing, creating compartmentalization.
The top structure of North Belut reservoir is at a
depth of approximately -6,500 ft TVDSS. The
maximum closure area in the North Belut field is
approximately 50,000 acres.
DEPOSITIONAL SETTINGS
The North Belut Field lies in the West Natuna Basin
of the South Natuna Sea. A generalized
stratigraphic column of the field is in figure 2.
The basin was initiated in the Eo-Oligocene by a
phase of extensional faulting. Highly variable
granitic and meta-sedimentary basement provided
the provenance for syn-rift continental clastics,
punctuated by occasional igneous episodes. These
are referred to as the Belut Group. In several of the
early syn-rift grabens lacustrine sediments
accumulated and provide a regionally important oil-
prone source, the Benua Shale Fm.
In mid Oligocene times rifting ceased. Post-rift sag-
phase sediments were the first to transgress the old
graben margins and are termed the Gabus formation
which is one of the reservoir objectives in North
Belut Field. These comprise regionally extensive
fluvio-alluvial reservoirs.
In the latest Oligocene, a compressive wrench phase
caused by northwest-southeast trending, right-
lateral movement in the Malay-Natuna region
caused inversion of many of the syn-rift grabens
and platform areas, forming faulted anticlines that
are now major exploration targets. The earliest
indications of inversion and hinterland rejuvenation
are seen in the renewed pulse of high quality
reservoir sands comprising the Gabus Massive
formation of the Belanak Field, southwest of the
North Belut Field. Within the growing syn-
inversion depocentres in the early Miocene,
deposition was dominated by the brackish-
lacustrine shale of the Barat Formation, a regionally
important top seal. Closer to the basin margins, co-
eval clastics of the Udang Formation were
deposited and provide important reservoirs in
several fields, including North Belut.
In the Early Miocene a renewed pulse of
compression and inversion resulted in erosion of
many of the growing inversion highs and
progradation of predominantly coarse grained
clastics into the region. These are referred to as the
Lower Arang Sand. This interval is capped by
relatively thin transgressive marine shale the
Lower Arang Shale, which forms an important
regional top seal. Inversion continued episodically
throughout the Early and Middle Miocene with the
deposition of the predominantly fluvio-deltaic
Upper Arang Formation.
Compression ceased towards the end of Middle
Miocene and a regional unconformity developed.
The deposits of the subsequent regional sag phase
comprise the shallow marine deposits of the Muda
Formation.
METHODS AND DATABASE
Several studies to interpret and understand North
Belut field depositional settings were conducted
before the field development started. Examples
include studies conducted by Al Schultz et al in
2004 and palynological and foraminiferal
biostratigraphic analysis by Robert Morley et al in
2003 and 2004.
This study is an attempt to generate another
interpretation utilizing the latest data from the
development drilling that has been ongoing since
late in 2008.
Some additional core data has been acquired in the
Udang formation whereas previously from the
earlier exploration and appraisal wells cores have
been acquired in the Gabus interval. These core data
were analyzed and integrated with the newly
acquired electric log data and seismic data to
generate a better understanding about the field and
how to optimize the field development.
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The database for this study is six appraisal wells
and 21 development wells, with around 900ft of
cores. Final well reports and laboratory analyses
were also integrated into the study.
RESULTS
During the post-rift phase of deposition of the
Gabus and early Udang formations, a series of
northeasterly trending deltaic to distal deltaic
deposits developed along a NE trending axis north
of the North Belut structure. Based on the regional
paleogeography map during the rift initiation shown
in figure 3, the primary direction of sediment
transport is interpreted to be from the southwest.
Shown in the isopach map in between Gabus 1 and
Udang 4 (figure 4) higher net to gross is interpreted
down-dip where accommodation was greatest.
Evidence of channel system developing during this
phase is also demonstrated from cross section
across the isopach map of sequence 300 (between
Gabus 1 and Udang 4) in figure 4 showing possible
channel down-cutting into sequence 200 (Gabus 2).
A seismic section flattened on Udang 4 shows that
accommodation space existed downdip during this
time, and this is also corroborated by the basement
geometry. An isopach map from the Basement to
the top of Udang 4 was also generated, and this
further demonstrates the accommodation space
downdip (figure 6). The cores from the Gabus
formation in North Belut-5 and 6 wells (figure 7)
also show evidence of channel dominated
environment in the Gabus and potentially early
Udang formations.
In the early syn-inversion time, sequence boundary
330 developed and represents a significant change
of sediment input. A regional paleogeography map
of earliest syn-inversion sequence shows more
active sediment input from the Sunda Platform
(figure 8). Depositional units of the upper Udang
range from prodelta to deltaic. Mouth Bar sands in
the upper units pinchout donwdip and deposition
laterally occurred in at least two depocenters. A
dip-section (figure 9) and strike-section (figure 10)
on top Udang 2 isopach map, demonstrate a
development of a series of coarsening-upward
sequences indicating possible mouth bar deposits,
where the net to gross decreases downdip. Evidence
of early inversion in sequence 330, mouthbar
localization and isopach thickening in the southwest
area of the field is shown in figure 11 may explain
dramatic thinning in the southwest part of North
Belut field.
A summary of depositional environment evolution
from Gabus 2 to Udang 1A is shown in figure 12,
demonstrating a change of depositional style and
source of sediment inputs.
CONCLUSION
A study of depositional environment for North
Belut field has been conducted. Integrating new
data of seismic, core and electric log development
wells drilled in North Belut field.
Based on the observations made on seismic, e-log
patterns and core data, during the post-rift phase of
deposition of the Gabus and early Udang formations
a series of northeasterly trending deltaic to distal
deltaic deposits developed along an northeast
trending axis north of North Belut structure. In the
early syn-inversion, sediment input from the Sunda
Platform became more active, and these
depositional units range from prodelta to deltaic,
and deposition laterally demonstrates at least two
depocenters.
As more wells are drilled in North Belut, more data
is revealed and a better interpretation of
depositional environment can be performed,
therefore leading into a better field development
plan.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors would like to thanks the management
of ConocoPhillips Indonesia, BPMIGAS, Inpex and
Chevron for their permission to publish this paper.
Special thanks are dedicated to the North Belut
subsurface team members for their efforts and
contributions.
REFERENCES
Maynard, K., Prabowo, W., Gunawan, J., Ways, C.,
and Brotherton, R., 2003, Maximizing the value of a
mature asset, The Belida Field, West Natunacan a
detailed subsurface re-evaluation really add value
late in field life?: Indonesian Petroleum
Association, 29th Annual Convention and
Exhibition Proceedings, v. 2, p. 291305.
Maynard, K., and Murray, I., 2003, One million
years from the upper Arang Formation, West
Natuna Basin, implications for reservoir distribution
and facies variation in fluvial deltaic deposits:
Indonesian Petroleum Association, 29th Annual
Convention and Exhibition Proceedings, v. 1, p.
270276.
Daines, S.R., 1985, Structural history of the West
Natuna Basin and the tectonic evolution of the
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Sunda region: Indonesian Petroleum Association,
14th Annual Convention Proceedings, p. 3961.
Morley, R.J., Morley, H.P., and Restrepo-Pace, P.,
2003, Unravelling the tectonically controlled
stratigraphy of the West Natuna Basin by means of
palaeo-derived mid Tertiary climate changes:
Indonesian Petroleum Association, 29th Annual
Convention Proceedings, v. 1, p. 561584.
Michael, E., and Adrian, H., 1996, The petroleum
system of West Block B PSC, South Natuna Sea,
Indonesia : Indonesian Petroleum Association, 25th
Annual Convention and Exhibition Proceedings, v.
1, p. 465479
Salvador, P., MorrisW.M., Morley, R.J., Gunarto,
M., Adhyaksawan, R., Challis M., 2008, Managing
Reservoir Uncertainty at the North Belut Field,
Offshore Indonesia, Natuna Sea : An integrated
analysis of biostratigraphy, core, wireline and
seismic data, Proceedings of the Indonesian
Petroleum Association Thirty-Second Annual
Convention & Exhibition, May 2008
Guttormsen, J., Salvador, P., North Belut
Diagenesis study, internal ConocoPhillips
publication, 2009
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North Belut Field : Location Map

North Belut

Western Area Eastern Area

Figure 1 - North Belut Location Map

Figure 2 - Block B General Stratigraphic Column

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Pre SB330 (post rift)

Figure 3 - Block B Regional Paleogeography Map (Pre-SB330)

A A

Ud 4
Gb 1
Gb 2

TRGS
SQ300
Isopach
(Gb1+Ud4)

Figure 4 - Gross Isopach Map of Gabus 1 Udang 4 and Dip Section of well correlation
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Ud 4
Gb 1
Gb 2
B

B TRGS
SQ300
Isopach
(Gb1+Ud4)

Figure 5 - Gross Isopach Map of Gabus 1 Udang 4 and Strike Section of well correlation

MFS300
Ud 4
Low-stand
Surfaces
Gb 1 of Erosion
SB300
Gb 2
MFS200
Gb 3
SB200

Flattened to MFS300 (Ud4) Note basement geometry

Figure 6 - Dip Line Seismic Section flattened to Udang 4 (MFS300) indicating basement geometry
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NB-5
x-beds
roots

roots; large cross-

beds (channel
lateral accretion?);
elsewhere scours,
slumps, and
fragments of
organic material
753
7552
3

NB-6 glossifungities

Interpreted as base-
channel scour;
glossifungities

Scour

Figure 7 - Core Section from North Belut 5 and 6, Gabus 1 interval indicating fluvial dominated
depositional environment
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Post SB330 (syn-inversion)

Bukit High

Ka
kap East Barat
/Ka
d al
TZ Lake

Ikan Pari
Cu
m
i-C

N. Belut
um
i/U
d
an
gT
Z

tfo rm
Belanak
a Pla
und
S
Udang

Figure 8 - Block B Regional Paleogeography Map (Post-SB330)

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C C

SQ340
C
Isopach
(top Ud2)

Figure 9 - Gross Isopach Map of Udang 2 Udang 1 and Dip Section of well correlation
D D
Udang 1
Udang 2
Udang 3

SQ340
D Isopach
(top Ud2)

Figure 10 - Gross Isopach Map of Udang 2 Udang 1 and Strike Section of well correlation
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MFS350
Udang 1
Low-stand
SB350 Surfaces
MFS340 of Erosion

Udang 2
SB340
Flooding
SB330 Udang 3
Surfaces

MFS300

SQ330 SQ340

Figure 11 - Dip Line Seismic Section flattened to Udang 1 (MFS350)

Transgressive Sequence 400

North Belut Sequence Stratigraphic Model

Udang 1a

Pro-Delta

July 2009
Regressive Sequence 350
Inter Udang 1 and 1a
Delta-Front

Delta-Plain

Transgressive Sequence 350 Two, equally active deltas (constant isopach &
Udang 1 constant sand quality)

Provenance

Pro-Delta

Mostly transgressive flooding shale

Pro-Delta Regressive Sequence 340 Delta Front is very poor quality and non-reservoir
Inter Udang 1 and 2 Note retreated delta at WHP-C

Delta-Front

Provenance
Pro-Delta

Delta-Plain

Delta-Front
Poor quality (non-reservoir) Active delta switches to WHP-C region and delta in WHP-D retreats
Transgressive Sequence 340 (but remains active)
Top Udang 2
Note rapid shale-out to NB-4 indicating steep depositional gradient
and narrow delta-front
Microfossil

Composite

Provenance
Formation

Sequence

Sea Level

Isopach change due to shale compaction?

Structural
Evolution
Relative
System
Series

Delta-Plain
Log

MFS400 H L
Delta initiation began in the WHP-D area (because the structural inversion began
Sequence 330
Udang 1a

here?)
Transgressive SQ400 (transgressive + regressive) Isopach change due to shale compaction?
Delta-Front Base Udang 2

SB400 Pro-Delta
Regressive SQ350
MFS350
Syn-Inversion
Udang 1

Transgressive SQ350 Provenance

Lower Miocene

Pro-Delta
forams

SB350 Upper Delta Plain

Regressive SQ340
MFS340

Transgressive SQ340
Udang 2

SB340
Delta-Front
Upper Delta Plain
mangrove pollen

SQ 330 (T+R)

SQ330
Provenance
Udang 3
Tertiary

Regressive SQ300

MFS300
mangrove pollen

SB330
Udang 4

Post-Rift

mangrove

Transgressive SQ300 Regressive Sequence 300 Channel and flood plane facies in RGRS SQ300 are low net/gross, perhaps
Oligocene

reflecting the final transgression of the low-stand incised valley with waning
Udang 3
accommodation and supply
Gabus 1

Amplitude extractions show meandering channels within the channel axis that have
high sinuosity also reflecting the high-stand nature of this sequence
Thinning to southwest is partially due to erosive removal during the formation of
sequence boundary 330 and may suggest earlier inversion in the WHP-D area
relative to WHP-C

SB300 Transgressive Sequence 300 Continued transgressive filling of the low-stand incised valley pushes the
Gabus 1 Udang 4
channel axis southeast Flood Plain (UDP)
Layur 1 drilled in channel axis but shows a thicker deltaic section than in
Gabus 2

field-area
mangrove pollen

Regressive SQ200 xis

lA
ne
is an
MFS200 Ax Ch
nnel
Regressive Sequence 200 Note change in facies from proximal to distal and the sensitivity to isopach thickness Cha
Gabus 2 Note continuous crevasse splay in D07, D01, NB3
Flood Plain (UDP)
Provenance

Layur 1 drilled in channel axis

Provenance

s
cie
al Fa
xim
A xis Pro
Fa
cie
s

nnel
tal
) Dis
Cha DP
(U
lain
dP
Provenance

) Floo
DP
in (U
Pla
od
Flo
Proximal Facies

Distal Facies

Figure 12 - Summary of Depositional Environment evolution from Gabus 2 to Udang 1A