Abstract: Trends in International Exploration Processes

Kevin L. Woller

Modern techniques for international exploration differ from the classical approaches. Traditionally oil and gas companies entering a new area would mount large geological and geophysical campaigns costing a lot of money. With the maturing of exploration in many basins, it is unusual to go where no one has gone before. This situation often provides a ready data base for study at a relatively low cost.

The challenge for the geoscientist is to gather, improve and re-interpret existing data to uncover ideas or plays that were previously missed or unseen.

Some methods for achieving this new view are:

-- Scanning and enhancing seismic data;

-- Incorporating larger data sets to get a regional interpretation;

-- Map digitization and analysis;

-- Digitizing logs for detailed correlation and analysis;

-- (5) Performing depth conversion.

The impact of these techniques can lead to recognition of deeper plays, new source rocks, changes in structural interpretations and changes in estimates of timing of hydrocarbon migration.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90960©1995 AAPG Southwest Section Meeting, Dallas, Texas