Quick-look core-logging, a cost-effective way to develop a regional depositional model, Patchawarra Formation, Cooper Basin

Abstract

The early Permian Patchawarra Formation is one of the principal gas producing intervals of the South Australian Cooper Basin (Government of South Australia., 2022). The gross depositional environment (GDE) for this interval is reported to be dominantly fluvial plain (Strong et al., 2002 and Stephens et al., 2014). However, recent logging and interpretation of 296 m of the Patchawarra Formation from seven wells (Dullingari 39, Fly Lake 2, Halsam 1, Le Chiffre 1, Moomba 194, Pando 1 and Talaq 1), from the South Australian Cooper Basin, indicate the presence of significant lacustrine depositional environments, including shoreface, possible lacustrine turbidites and potential incised valleys, all of which may alter exploration and development strategies.