Using digital outcrop data to improve CO2 flow simulation at reservoir-caprock interfaces: an example from the Sherwood Sandstone of the Wessex Basin, SW England

In many reservoirs, a gap exists in our understanding of rock heterogeneity between small-scale structures seen in core/geophysical logs and the large-scale structures identified in seismic. This gap can be filled using knowledge from outcrop. This talk provides an example of how large coastal outcrops of the Triassic Sherwood Sandstone (Otter Sandstone Formation)Group in southwest England are being used to increase our understanding of CO2 migration and storage at reservoir-caprock interfaces. Reservoir-caprock boundaries are often modelled as relatively planar surfaces but outcrop reveals a complex sedimentary architecture which has an impact on CO2 migration and trapping. The talk shows the importance of an integrated use of well geophysics, airborne LIDAR, marine multibeam sonar and terrestrial laser scans in outcrop characterisation.