Mass-transport deposits (MTDs) are sedimentary, stratigraphic successions remobilized after initial deposition but before substantial lithification and transported downslope by gravitational processes as non-Newtonian rheological units. In the complete paper, the authors present an openhole advanced formation-evaluation approach that enables assessment of tight-matrix and natural-fracture systems at a level not previously accomplished in these types of geological formations.
Introduction
The considered wildcat project by Petroleos Sudamericanos is in the Lower Magdalena Valley hydrocarbon province in Colombia. From a stratigraphic point of view, the targets belong to tertiary deposits from the lower Neogene. Gravity-driven processes are complex and include creep, slide, slump, debris flow, and multiphase granular flows.