LOWER CRETACEOUS PALYNOLOGY AND SANDSTONE DISTRIBUTION IN THE SCAPA FIELD, U.K. NORTH SEA

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Abstract
Three discrete turbidite sandstone bodies form the Scapa Sandstone Member reservoir units within the limestone, marl and conglomerate sequence of the Early Cretaceous Valhall Formation in the Scapa field (UK North Sea Block 14/19). Eighteen palynological zones have been established for the Valhall Formation, designated as VA in the early Aptian through VR in the latest Ryazanian. Scapa reservoir sandstones are restricted to the late Hauterivian VF to early Valanginian VQ zones. Black, anoxic mudstones of the Fischschiefer Member form a widespread intra‐ early Aptian correlation marker at the base of zone VA in the upper Valhall Formation.The zonal scheme is based principally on dinocyst distribution, relative abundance and palynomorph associations. Additional micropalaeontological evidence from the top of the Valhall Formation to the top of the Scapa Sandstone Member (zones VA through VF) provides furthrr refinement.Vertical and lateral variations in the age and abundance of reworked palynomorphs reflect a multisource origin for the Scapa Sandstone Member and deposition via several individually distinct, but coalescing, fan systems. An understanding of sandstone distribution within the Valhall Formation has been determined by the integration of the palynological zonation with wireline log correlation. lithofacies studies and reservoir pressure data.

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