Matthew J. Pranter Associate Professor of Geological Sciences Fellow, Energy and Minerals Applied Research Center Reservoir Characterization and Modeling Laboratory Research Interests Reservoir Characterization and Modeling Stratigraphic Controls on Reservoir Heterogeneity Sedimentary and Petroleum Geology Reservoir Geostatistics

Research

I am interested in siliciclastic and carbonate rocks: their origin, distribution, and characteristics. My research involves the "field scale" analyses of depositional systems, stratigraphic architecture, and sedimentology as applied to petroleum reservoir geology and geophysics and 3-D reservoir modeling. My students and I analyze various types of data (e.g., outcrop, subsurface) to describe, characterize, and model the stratigraphic architecture, facies, and heterogeneity of siliciclastic and carbonate systems and reservoirs to assess the stratigraphic and sedimentologic controls on reservoir quality and distribution. My current research investigates the stratigraphic variability of sandstone-body types, dimensions, and connectivity of fluvial deposits, with a focus on the Cretaceous formations in the Piceance Basin of western Colorado. These studies involve detailed stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and petrophysical measurements from outcrops that provide important analog information in the form of spatial, geometrical, petrophysical, and rock-fabric data to evaluate subsurface reservoirs and condition 3-D reservoir models. Other projects involve the characterization and modeling of petrofacies and pore-volume distribution within carbonate gas-storage reservoirs, and we are becoming more involved in aspects of geological carbon sequestration.

Check out the Reservoir Characterization and Modeling Laboratory and Energy and Minerals Applied Research Center websites for more information on my research in reservoir geosciences.

Geology field trip for Petroleum Reservoir Characterization and Modeling (GEOL 4550/5550) to the Piceance Basin of western Colorado. Excellent exposures of fluvial deposits of the Williams Fork Formation were the focus of the trip. Fieldtrip stop in Plateau Creek Canyon.

Courses

I teach undergraduate courses in Physical Geology and Earth Resources and the Environment (both approved for Arts and Sciences core curriculum: Natural Science), Hydrocarbon Geology, and a combined undergraduate/graduate-level course in petroleum reservoir geosciences.

		Introduction to Geology I - Physical Geology (GEOL 1010) provides an introduction to geological sciences. The course covers the composition and structure of Earth, its dynamic processes, and the role of geological sciences in our society. Link to the Course Website through CULearn Offered Fall 2009
		Earth Resources and the Environment (GEOL 3500) examines Earth's most important natural resources and their impact on society and the environment. Addresses the geology, occurrence, production, and use of petroleum, coal, mineral, and water resources. Future world energy supply and demand, conservation, and the transition from fossil fuels to renewable resources are discussed. Link to the Course Website through CULearn
		Introduction to Hydrocarbon Geology (GEOL 3540) discusses the origin and distribution of conventional and unconventional petroleum and coal resources, source rocks, types of traps and seals, reservoir rock properties, exploration methods (seismic data analysis and interpretation, formation evaluation, subsurface mapping), reservoir characterization and modeling, reserves calculations. Link to the Course Website through CULearn Offered Spring 2010
		Petroleum Reservoir Characterization and Modeling (GEOL 4550 / 5550) emphasizes concepts and methods of petroleum reservoir data analysis, integration, and modeling using subsurface information and outcrop analogs. The course addresses petroleum systems, drive mechanisms and recovery efficiency, reservoir properties, sequence-stratgraphic and structural controls on reservoir quality and distribution, flow units and reservoir zonation, and concepts and methods of 3-D stochastic and deterministic reservoir modeling. Link to the Course Website through CULearn Offered Fall 2009

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Experience

Associate Professor of Geological Sciences University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, 2008-present Department of Geological Sciences and Energy and Minerals Applied Research Center Assistant Professor of Geological Sciences University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, 2001-2008 Department of Geological Sciences and Energy and Minerals Applied Research Center Senior Research Geologist ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company, Houston, Texas, 1999-2001 Reservoir Characterization Division - Geologic Modeling Section Research Geologist Exxon Production Research Company, Houston, Texas, summer 1998 Reservoir Geometry and Continuity Division - Geologic Modeling Section Research Geologist ARCO Exploration and Production Technology, Plano, Texas, summer 1997 Exploration Research and Technical Services - Seismic Interpretation Research Group Research Assistant Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, 1996-1999 Department of Geology and Geological Engineering and Department of Geophysics - Reservoir Characterization Project Geologist / Geophysicist Conoco Inc., Midland, Texas, 1989-1994 Exploration and Production, North America - Permian Basin Geologist / Geophysicist Sun Exploration and Production Company, Dallas, Texas, summer 1988 Gulf of Mexico and East Coast District - Texas Offshore

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Professional Affiliations

AAPG-American Association of Petroleum Geologists

SEPM-Society for Sedimentary Geology

EAGE-European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers

SPE-Society of Petroleum Engineers

SEG-Society of Exploration Geophysicists

GSA-Geological Society of America

RMAG-Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists

Professional Society Activities

AAPG Associate Editor (2001-2003; 2009-present)

AAPG Bulletin, Reviewer (2000-present)

AAPG Reservoir Development Committee (2004-2007)

AAPG Future of Earth Scientists Committee (Vice Chair; 2004-2007)

AAPG Distinguished Lecture Committee (2001-2004)

AAPG Foundation Grants-in-Aid Committee (2000-2002)

Professional Registration

Professional Geologist (P.G.): State of Texas, #4369

Professional Geologist (P.G.): State of Arkansas, #1757

Professional Engineer-Intern (E.I.T.): State of Colorado

Articles

Pranter, M J. and N. K. Sommer, in review, Sandstone-body connectivity in a lower coastal-plain depositional setting: an example from the lower Williams Fork Formation, Piceance Basin, Colorado, U.S.A., AAPG Bulletin.

Cole, R. D., Q. A. German, E. Harper, M. J. Pranter, and X. Xie, in prep., Sandstone-body dimensions and architecture of the middle to upper Williams Fork Formation, Main and Plateau Creek Canyons, Piceance Basin, Colorado, U.S.A.

Pranter, M. J., R. D. Cole, H. Panjaitan, N. K. Sommer, 2009, Sandstone-body dimensions in a lower coastal-plain depositional setting: lower Williams Fork Formation, Coal Canyon, Piceance Basin, Colorado, U.S.A., AAPG Bulletin, vol. 93, p. 1379-1401.

Pranter, M. J., M. F. Vargas, and T. L. Davis, 2008, Characterization and 3-D reservoir modeling of fluvial sandstones of the Williams Fork Formation, Rulison Field, Piceance Basin, Colorado, USA: Journal of Geophysics and Engineering, vol. 5, p. 158-172.

Pranter, M. J., A. I. Ellison, R. D. Cole, and P. E. Patterson, 2007, Modeling and analysis of intermediate-scale reservoir heterogeneity based on a fluvial point-bar outcrop analog, Williams Fork Formation, Piceance Basin, Colorado, USA: AAPG Bulletin, vol. 91, p. 1025-1051.

Budd, D. A., M. J. Pranter, and Z. A. Reza, 2006, Lateral periodic variations in the petrophysical and geochemical properties of dolomite: Geology, v. 34, p. 373-376.

Reza, Z. A., M. J. Pranter, and P. Weimer, 2006, ModDRE: A program to model deepwater reservoir elements using geomorphic and stratigraphic constraints: Computers & Geosciences, v. 32, p. 1205-1220.

Pranter, M. J., Z. A. Reza, and D. A. Budd, 2006, Reservoir-scale characterization and multiphase fluid-flow modeling of lateral petrophysical heterogeneity within dolomite facies of the Madison Formation, Sheep Canyon and Lysite Mountain, Wyoming: Petroleum Geoscience, vol. 12, p. 29-40.

Pranter, M. J., Z. A. Reza, and P. Weimer, 2005, Deepwater reservoir modeling using sequence-stratigraphic and geomorphic constraints: Society of Petroleum Engineers, Annual Technical Conference Proceedings, SPE 95952, p. 1-11, Dallas, Texas.

Pranter, M. J., C. B. Hirstius, and D. A. Budd, 2005, Scales of lateral petrophysical heterogeneity within dolomite lithofacies as determined from outcrop analogs: Implications for 3-D reservoir modeling: AAPG Bulletin, vol. 89, p. 645-662.

Pranter, M. J., N. F. Hurley, and T. L. Davis, 2004, Sequence-stratigraphic, petrophysical, and multicomponent seismic analysis of a shelf-margin reservoir: San Andres Formation (Permian), Vacuum field, New Mexico: in G. P. Eberli, J. L. Masaferro, and J. F. Sarg, eds., Seismic Imaging of Carbonate Reservoirs and Systems: AAPG Memoir 81, p. 59-89.

Pranter, M. J., N. F. Hurley, and T. L. Davis, 2004, Anhydrite distribution within a shelf-margin carbonate reservoir: San Andres Formation, Vacuum Field, New Mexico, U.S.A.: Petroleum Geoscience, vol., 10, p. 43-53.

Pranter, M. J., N. F. Hurley, T. L. Davis, M. A. Raines, and S. C. Wehner, 2004, Dual-lateral horizontal wells successfully target bypassed pay in the San Andres Formation, Vacuum Field, New Mexico: AAPG Bulletin, vol. 88, p. 99-113.

Bard, K. C., and M. J. Pranter, 1999, 4-D, multicomponent seismic tracks a miscible process: Journal of Petroleum Technology, vol. 51, p. 40-41.

Pranter, M. J., and R. C. Grayson, Jr., 1990, "Lower Strawn" submarine fan complex and associated depositional systems, in C. M. Gibbs, C. W. Reynolds, W. Tucker, and J. Ritchie, eds., Transactions of the 1990 AAPG Southwest Section Convention, p. 103-120.

Book Chapters, Short-Course Notes, Field Guidebooks

Slatt, R. M. and M. J. Pranter, book chapter in press, Deepwater Reservoir Modeling, in P. Weimer and R. M. Slatt, eds., An Introduction to the Petroleum Geology of Turbidite Systems: AAPG Studies in Geology.

Pranter M. J. and N. F. Hurley, 2005, Rocks to models: an introduction to 3-D reservoir characterization and modeling: 2005 AAPG Eastern Section Convention, Morgantown, West Virginia, 331 p.

Pranter M. J. and N. F. Hurley, 2004, Rocks to models: an introduction to 3-D reservoir characterization and modeling: 2004 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas, 453 p.

Pranter, M. J., 1994, Patterson Lake field, Glasscock County, Texas: in Oil and gas fields in West Texas, Volume VI, West Texas Geological Society, p. 209-212.

Grayson, Jr., R. C., M. J. Pranter, L. L. Lambert, and G. K. Merrill, 1990, Carboniferous geology and tectonic history of the southern Fort Worth (foreland) basin, and Concho platform: 1990 GSA Field Trip Guidebook, Dallas Geological Society, 67 p.

Pranter, M. J., 1988, Antelope Creek section, in R. C. Grayson, Jr. and G. K. Merrill, eds., Carboniferous geology of the northern Llano uplift, southern Fort Worth basin and Concho platform: Fort Worth Geological Society Field Trip Guidebook, 100 p.

Abstracts

Pranter, M. J., N. K. Sommer, H. Panjaitan, Q. A. German, R. D. Cole, N. F. Hurley, and D. S. Anderson, 2007, Fluvial sandstone-body dimensions and reservoir connectivity within a meandering to braided system: an example from the Williams Fork Formation, Piceance Basin, Colorado, AAPG Annual Convention Program, v. 16, p. xx, Long Beach, California.

Sommer, N. K., M. J. Pranter, and R. D. Cole, 2007, Architectural-element modeling and connectivity analysis of the Williams Fork Formation, Coal Canyon, Main Canyon, and Plateau Creek Canyons, Piceance Basin, Colorado, U.S.A., AAPG Annual Convention Program, v. 16, p. xx, Long Beach, California.

Sommer, N., German, Q. A., M. J. Pranter, and R. D. Cole, 2006, Analysis of fluvial sand-body characteristics and dimensions in a high net-to-gross system, Upper Williams Fork Formation, Main and Plateau Creek Canyons , Piceance Basin, Colorado, AAPG Rocky Mountain Section Convention Program, Billings, Montana.

German, Q. A., M. J. Pranter, and R. D. Cole, 2006, Analysis of fluvial sand-body characteristics and connectivity in a high net-to-gross system, Upper Williams Fork Formation, Plateau Creek Canyon, Piceance Basin, Colorado, AAPG Annual Convention Program, v. 15, p. 37, Houston, Texas.

Budd, D. A. and M. J. Pranter, 2006, Diagenetic origins of lateral periodic variations in the properties of dolomite: ­evidence of self-organizing phenomena?, AAPG Annual Convention Program, v. 15, p. 15, Houston, Texas.

Vargas, M. F., M. J. Pranter, and T. L. Davis, 2006, Characterization and 3-D reservoir modeling of fluvial tight-gas sandstones in the Williams Fork Formation, Rulison Field, Piceance Basin, Colorado, USA, AAPG Annual Convention Program, v. 15, p. 110, Houston, Texas.

Pranter, M. J., D. A. Budd, and Z. A. Reza, 2005, Reservoir-scale characterization and modeling of lateral petrophysical and geochemical variability within dolomite facies of the Madison Formation, Sheep Canyon and Lysite Mountain, Wyoming: in Peter Lufholm and Denise Cox (eds.), Unconventional Reservoirs Technology and Strategies, Alternative Perspectives for the Permian Basin, WTGS Publication #05-115, p. 193-196, WTGS 2005 Fall Symposium, Midland, Texas.

Budd, D. A. and M. J. Pranter, 2005, The Hidden World of Dolomites: Self-Organization of Porosity and Permeability at the Decameter Scale During Dolomitization, AAPG Annual Convention Program, v. 14, p. A20, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Pranter, M. J., Z. A. Reza, and P. Weimer, 2005, A Novel Integrated Approach to Stochastic Deepwater Reservoir Modeling Using Sequence-Stratigraphic and Geomorphic Constraints, AAPG Annual Convention Program, v. 14, p. A112, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Pranter, M. J. and Z. A. Reza, 2005, Use of Outcrop Analogs to Assess the Impact of Lateral Petrophysical Cyclicity on Static Connectivity and Fluid Flow within Dolomite Reservoirs, AAPG Annual Convention Program, v. 14, p. A112, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Pranter, M. J. and D. A. Budd, 2004, Evidence for geochemical self-organization at the decameter scale during dolomitization, Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, v. 36, p. 252, Denver, Colorado.

Ellison, A. I., M. J. Pranter, R. Cole, and P. E. Patterson, 2004, Quantification of stratigraphic heterogeneity within a fluvial point-bar sequence, Williams Fork Formation, Piceance Basin, Colorado: Application to reservoir modeling, AAPG Rocky Mountain Natural Gas Conference, p. 100, Denver, Colorado.

Davis, T. L., R. D. Benson, and M. J. Pranter, 2004, Time-lapse seismic investigation - Rulison Field, Piceance Basin, Colorado, AAPG Rocky Mountain Natural Gas Conference, p. 98, Denver, Colorado.

Ellison, A. I., M. J. Pranter, R. Cole, and P. E. Patterson, 2004, Anatomy of a point bar: outcrop modeling using lidar data of the Upper Cretaceous Williams Fork Formation, Piceance Basin, Colorado, AAPG Annual Convention Program, v. 13, p. 40, Dallas, Texas.

Hirstius, C. B., M. J. Pranter, and D. A. Budd, 2004, Scales of lateral petrophysical heterogeneity within dolomite rock fabrics as determined from outcrop analogs: Implications for 3-D reservoir modeling, AAPG Annual Convention Program, v. 13, p. 63-64, Dallas, Texas.

Hirstius, C. B., M. J. Pranter, and D. A. Budd, 2004, Characterization and modeling of multiple scales of lateral petrophysical heterogeneity within dolomite rock fabrics as determined from outcrop analogs, in, C. Feazel, A. Byrnes, J. Honefenger, B. Leibrecht, B. Loucks, S. McCants, and A. Saller, eds., Carbonate Reservoir Characterization and Simulation: From Facies to Flow Units: Proceedings, American Association of Petroleum Geologists Hedberg Conference, March 15-18, 2004, El Paso, Texas.

Pranter, M. J. and N. F. Hurley, 2004, Flow unit definition for reservoir simulation, in, C. Feazel, A. Byrnes, J. Honefenger, B. Leibrecht, B. Loucks, S. McCants, and A. Saller, eds., Carbonate Reservoir Characterization and Simulation: From Facies to Flow Units: Proceedings, American Association of Petroleum Geologists Hedberg Conference, March 15-18, 2004, El Paso, Texas.

Ellison, A. I., M. J. Pranter, R. Cole, and P. E. Patterson, 2003, Stratigraphic architecture of the Upper Cretaceous Williams Fork Formation, Piceance Basin, Western Colorado through outcrop studies and high-resolution lidar imaging, Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, v. 35, p. 35., Seattle, Washington.

Hirstius, C. B., M. J. Pranter, and D. A. Budd, 2003, Lateral petrophysical variability within dolomite rock fabrics: Implications for petrophysical characterization and modeling, Geological Society of America, Abstracts with Programs, v. 35, p. 55., Seattle, Washington.

Ellison, A. I., M. J. Pranter, R. Cole, P. E. Patterson, and S. Cumella, 2003, Analysis and modeling of stratigraphic architecture of the Upper Cretaceous Williams Fork Formation, Piceance Basin, Western Colorado, through outcrop studies and high-resolution lidar imaging, RMAG Piceance Basin Symposium, Glenwood Springs, Colorado.

Pranter, M. J., N. F. Hurley, T. L. Davis, L. Duranti, M. A. Raines, and S. C. Wehner, 1999, Identification of subtle faults using 3-D seismic and multilateral borehole profiles: AAPG/SPWLA Hedberg Research Symposium Abstracts, Horizontal wells: focus on the reservoir, p. 86.

Pranter, M. J., and N. F. Hurley, 1999, Use of a petrophysical-based reservoir zonation and time-lapse, multicomponent (4-D, 3-C) seismic attributes for improved geologic modeling: 1999 AAPG Annual Convention, Program and Abstracts, vol. 8, p. A112.

• AAPG Student Chapter at the University of Colorado - Check out the AAPG Student Chapter web page

Maintained by Matthew J. Pranter: matthew.pranter@colorado.edu
Last modified: March 17, 2009