Reservoir geochemistry of South Pass 61 Field, Gulf of Mexico: compositional heterogeneities reflecting filling history and biodegradation

Cluster analysis of GC data for gasoline and mid-range hydrocarbon ratios from fifty-one South Pass 61 Field oils reveals geochemically similar oil clusters corresponding to geographically coherent groups. Insight into the groupings is obtained from examination of indicators of geochemical processes, e.g., anaerobic biodegradation, aerobic biodegradation and extensive remigration of light ends. Six duplicate samples collected in 1986 and 1992 as well as replicate runs on a single sample showed excellent analytical reproducibility. Subtle but consistent differences in both gasoline and oil-range hydrocarbon maturity indicators are observed between the east, west, and far west flanks of the field, suggesting filling of different segments of the reservoir from different kitchens at slightly different stages of thermal maturity or with slightly different chemical character. The west flank of the salt dome was charged with slightly more thermally mature petroleum than the east flank. The stratigraphically oldest and deepest sand on the far west flank has received the most mature petroleum. Different fluid contacts and GORs are observed in different sands and different fault blocks. The stacked pay geometry of the field and widespread faulting have led to considerable remigration of gas and condensate as observed in other fields in the Gulf of Mexico (Thompson, 1987). Biodegradation varies in severity with depth and reservoir zone, but is frequently overprinted by remigration of light end hydrocarbons. Anaerobic biodegradation by sulfate-reducing bacteria is probably the cause of light to moderate alteration in intermediate depth Pliocene sands which are hydraulically connected to the salt dome (with dissolution of anhydrite from the salt dome providing the sulfate). Widespread late pyrite formation in reservoir sandstones is inferred to represent the ultimate sink for reduced sulfur from sulfate reduction during oil biodegradation. Co-produced water compositions suggest no oxygenated freshwater infusion.