--> ABSTRACT: Triangle Ranch Headquarters Field, Cottle and Foard Counties, Texas: Integration of Geology and Modern Technology, by H. Renick, Jr., R. D. Gunn; #90996 (1990).
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ABSTRACT: Triangle Ranch Headquarters Field, Cottle and Foard Counties, Texas: Integration of Geology and Modern Technology

H. Renick, Jr., R. D. Gunn

The Triangle Ranch Headquarters Canyon Reef field is long and narrow and exists in an area where near-surface evaporites and associated collapse features harm seismic data quality and interpretational reliability. The structure of the rocks found below this disturbed section represent an approximate image of the deeper Canyon Reef structure. The shallow structure exhibits very gentle relief, and can be mapped by data gathered by drilling shallow holes on a broad grid. The shallow structural interpretation provides a valuable reference datum for mapping, as well as providing a basis in planning the seismic program. The Canyon Reef structure is mapped by computing a seismically derived isopach between the variable seismic datum and the Canyon Reef, and subtracting the isopa h map from the datum map, which is extrapolated from the shallow core holes.

The near-surface complexities produce seismic noise and severe static variations. The crux of the exploration problem is to balance the seismic signal-to-noise ratio and geologic Previous HitresolutionNext Hit. Adequate geologic Previous HitresolutionNext Hit is impossible without understanding the exploration target. The seismic acquisition parameters must be modified as the target becomes better understood. Studying examples of data with high signal-to-noise ratio and poor Previous HitresolutionNext Hit, and examples of better defined structure on apparently noisier data, led us to design acquisition for Previous HitresolutionNext Hit and to reduce noise with arithmetical processes that do not reduce structural Previous HitresolutionNext Hit.

Combining acquisition and processing parameters for optimum structural Previous HitresolutionTop with the isopach mapping method has improved wildcat success from about 1 in 20 to better than 1 in 2. This method has also enabled an 80% development drilling success ratio as opposed to slightly over 50% in all previous drilling. Past well locations were based on seismic and subsurface geologic analyses, or a combined shallow core-hole subsurface geologic analysis, or by subsurface analysis alone.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90096©1990 AAPG Southwest Section Meeting, Wichita Falls, Texas, March 11-13, 1990