Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
The Department of Geology & Geophysics
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
The False River area of the Mississippi River preserves a Holocene example of a meandering river point bar in a continental-scale system. We predict lithofacies quantitatively, using K-means cluster analysis from a nine-well data set that integrates well-log data (electrical conductivity (EC), corrected pressure and horizontal hydraulic permeability), grain size analyses and 14 defined sediment types. Data was collected from an unconsolidated and water saturated environment down to 90 feet (27.4 m). Because of the low number of grain-size analyses we develop a novel “hybrid” approach primarily using Generalized Additive Models, which allow us to create a more extensive and accurate data set. Horizontal permeability values calculated from the corrected pressure match those found (800–21,000 md) in the analogous Cretaceous-age McMurray Formation. We create six lithofacies clusters ranging from fine-grained near the surface to coarse sand at the base, with a vertical resolution of 0.5 m. Envelope Seismic attribute analysis along two profiles (30 and 52 m-long) validates the lithofacies prediction by using well-log data from a subset of four additional wells. Also, the relationship between the Envelope seismic attribute and permeability helps validate the number of lithofacies at two, tested, well locations. Permeability projected along the Envelope seismic attribute profile, away from the well location, aids in interpretation. Our quantitative lithofacies, well data (EC), and projected permeability maps support an interpretation of a buried remnant, channel-like feature, predating (> 4000 y B.P.) the modern point bar system. xxii The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine belongs to Duncan Point bar which is located 48 km away from the False River Point bar area. We use the dataset from False River Point bar area to develop a petrophysical model at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine site. Some specific Petro-physical properties were used such as grain size, permeability, and EC. Both point bars belong to the Holocene age, and they are located along the Lower Mississippi Valley. The grain sizes from the ternary diagram of both the False River Point bar and the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine areas show similar trends for the sediment types from both areas. The EC shows higher response at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine compared to the False River Point bar area especially for the first 15 feet (5 m) and that indicates the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine has a higher clay rich. The fining in average sand layers between False River Point bar area to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine are proved towards downward. We mimic the idea from Tony Reynolds study to prove the same phenomena along the Lower Mississippi Valley.
Date
3-11-2025
Recommended Citation
Ali, Tamer M., "QUANTITATIVE IDENTIFICATION OF LITHOFACIES BY INTEGRATING DIVERSE GEOPHYSICAL DATA IN THE LATE HOLOCENE ALONG THE LOWER MISSISSIPPI VALLEY, LOUISIANA, USA" (2025). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6691.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6691
Committee Chair
Lorenzo, Juan
Included in
Geological Engineering Commons, Geology Commons, Geophysics and Seismology Commons, Sedimentology Commons
