Statistical analysis in oil correlation
| Exploring for Oil and Gas Traps | |
| |
| Series | Treatise in Petroleum Geology |
|---|---|
| Part | Critical elements of the petroleum system |
| Chapter | Oil–oil and oil–source rock correlations |
| Author | Douglas W. Waples, Joseph A. Curiale |
| Link | Web page |
| Store | AAPG Store |
Statistical methods
In studies involving large numbers of samples, many different analyses, and a huge variety of ratios and quantities to be evaluated, it is easy to become bogged down in an overabundance of data. To speed up the process of evaluating correlation data and to make the process less subjective, statistical methods have been used.[1][2][3] These techniques include both cluster analysis and multivariate statistical analysis (principal components analysis).
Application of cluster analysis
Figure 1 shows the application of cluster analysis in using data on trace-element concentrations to correlate eleven crude oils from northern Alaska. Although the concentrations of elements in an oil may vary due to alteration episodes (such as biodegradation), the relative distribution of these elements often remains constant and source distinctive. The concentrations of copper, iron, manganese, nickel, and vanadium in each oil were used to construct this cluster. The Bray-Curtis distance shows the degree of dissimilarity from oil to oil. Here eight oils of type A and three oils of type B are indicated. Other geochemical evidence supports this subdivision.
Integrate with geology and geochemistry
Unfortunately, many of the applications of such statistical methods fail to emphasize either the chemistry or the geology of the system. Future applications should attempt to integrate the purely statistical analysis with geochemical and geological knowledge to achieve the most useful and realistic interpretation possible.
See also
- Basic principles of oil correlation
- Limitations of oil correlations
- Practical suggestions for oil correlation
References
- ↑ Sofer, Z., Zumberge, J., E., Lay, V., 1986, Stable carbon isotopes and biomarkers as tools in understanding genetic relationship, maturation, biodegradation and migration of crude oils in the northern Peruvian Oriente (Maranon) basin: Organic Geochemistry, v. 10, p. 377–389., 10., 1016/0146-6380(86)90037-9
- ↑ Telnæs, N., Dahl, B., 1986, Oil-oil correlation using multivariate techniques: Organic Geochemistry, vol. 10, p. 425–432., 10., 1016/0146-6380(86)90042-2
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Curiale, J., A., 1987, Distribution of transition metals in North Alaskan oils, in Filby, R., H., Branthaver, J., F., eds., Metal complexes in fossil fuels: American Chemical Society Symposium Series 344, p. 135–145.
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