--> ABSTRACT: Seismic and Wireline Log Expressions of Turbidite-Related Fields/Discoveries, Green Canyon and Ewing Bank Areas, Northern Gulf of Mexico, by P. Weimer, P. Varnai, A. J. Pulham, B. C. McBride, and J. Crews; #91021 (2010)

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Seismic and Wireline Log Expressions of Turbidite-Related Fields/Discoveries, Green Canyon and Ewing Bank Areas, Northern Gulf of Mexico

WEIMER, PAUL, PETER VARNAI, ANDREW J. PULHAM, BARRY C. McBRIDE, and JENNIFER CREWS

The Green Canyon (GC) and Ewing Bank (EW) OCS lease areas have 25 discoveries/fields, primarily from bathyal turbidite systems. Salt has played a significant role in the formation of the intraslope basins that the turbidite systems were deposited in, by influencing the flows of turbidity currents through the basin, in the subsequent trap formation, and, in some cases, as a seal. Nearly every field/discovery is associated with a seismic amplitude anomaly. Fields generally have multiple pay zones, with up to 22 in GC 184 (Jolliet). To date, twelve of the fields are producing: EW 826, EW 873 (Lobster), EW 947, GC 6 (Kodiak), GC 18, GC 19, GC 52/53 (Marquette), GC 65/109 (Bullwinkle), GC 110 (Rocky), GC 184 (Jolliet), GC 72/116 (Popeye), and GC 161/205 (Genesis). Other discoveries that are expected to be developed are EW 963 (Starfish), GC 254 (Allegheny), GC 200/244 (Troika), and GC 166 (Bison). Other discoveries that were produced and then abandoned include GC 29 and 31. Good exploration potential exists in sub-salt areas and in the deeper water portions of the area.

Producing reservoir facies are highly variable across the area. Turbidite reservoir geometries vary from sheets and amalgamated sheet sands (basin-floor fans) to more channel-fill and thin-bedded levee- overbank facies. These latter sands tend to more compartmentalized with separate oil/water or gas/water contacts. Most reservoir sands occur within 100 feet overlying a sequence boundary, indicating a eustatic control on the timing of reservoir sand deposition.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91021©1997 AAPG Annual Convention, Dallas, Texas.