Steven G. Siguaw¹, Jane E. Estes-Jackson², Daniel W. Shewmake³
(1) Santa Fe Snyder Corporation, Denver, CO
(2) Consulting Geologist, Denver, CO
(3) Consulting Geologist

Abstract: Changes in attitudes, changes in attributes: Using 3-D seismic to identify new opportunities in old fields

Riverton Dome field is located on the Wind River Indian Reservation in the southwestern Wind River Basin of Wyoming. It was discovered in 1949 by Atlantic Richfield through the use of seismic and was acquired by Snyder Oil Corporation (SOCO) in 1993. The field has produced 7 MMBO and 220 BCFG from multiple clastic and carbonate reservoirs ranging in age from Cretaceous to Mississippian. The field is located along the crest of a north-plunging asymmetrical anticline bounded by thrust faults.

In early 1998 SOCO and partners acquired a 38 square mile 3-D seismic survey over Riverton Dome field. The survey was acquired using fractionated bins to image steep dips at less cost than using smaller bin sizes. A dual processing approach was used to compare processors in an area of complex stratigraphy and structure. Conclusions of the Riverton Dome 3-D study are: 1) A precise imaging of faults explained differences in productivity; 2) Clarification of Cretaceous reservoir distribution within the field enabled projection of these trends beyond existing field limits; and 3) Construction of accurate seismic models resulted in successful Muddy and Frontier formation extension opportunities. Integrating the 3-D seismic with available well control has enabled SOCO to successfully identify and develop under-exploited reservoirs in this mature field.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90914©2000 AAPG Annual Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana