HILL, W. A., ARCO Oil and Gas Company, Eastern District, Houston, TX

ABSTRACT: Salt Classification And Exploration Models; Gulf Of Mexico Basin, Offshore Louisiana

A ternary classification can be used to describe salt features along productive trends on the Louisiana Shelf. From this work, exploration models can be derived that impact future hydrocarbon exploration and development. These models may be useful in all salt-dominated depocenters throughout the world.

This classification is based on the shapes of salt features which are the result of the interaction between the rate of salt rise and the relative rate of sediment accumulation. Shapes of the salt features were obtained from intersecting geophysical seismic records available to the industry and were compared to published and unpublished data from mechanical salt models constructed to better understand salt movement and salt evolution over time. Common characteristics relating to structural style, trapping potential, gas-oil ratio and relative economic chance factor were later added to each of the three subgroups or end members. From these data, exploration models can be derived and used as a reconnaissance tool for future exploration as well as further development plans for salt-relat d oil and gas fields

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90987©1993 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25-28, 1993.