Evaluating Mature Basins

Michel T. Halbouty

It is estimated that a significant portion of the world's estimated undiscovered commercial oil and natural gas will come from currently mature producing basins, the exploratory "hot spots" of the past. It is doubtful that any mature petroleum-producing basin or province in the world can be classified as thoroughly evaluated. Acceleration of discoveries in these areas depends principally on increased geophysical activity, exploratory drilling, and, above all, the development of new exploratory concepts. The experience gained and the earth science and engineering data collected over the years from mature producing basins afford earth scientists and petroleum engineers opportunities to expand their ideas and innovative thinking in the search for new petroleum reserves in an around these areas. There are various methods of evaluating mature basins, and of great importance is the deliberate search for subtle traps in mature basins.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91030©1988 AAPG Annual Convention, Houston, Texas, 20-23 March 1988.