Salter, Richard¹, Marcelo Benabentos¹, Julio Perez Aldana², Antonio Cuevas Leree² 
(1) Reservoir Services/DCS, Schlumberger, Houston, TX 
(2) PEMEX, Poza Rica, Mexico

ABSTRACT: A High-Resolution Seismic Study in the Gulf of Mexico

In seismic exploration and field development of the Lankahuasa area, a concerted seismic analysis and an integrated reservoir characterization approach have provided valuable information in explaining differences in well performance. In this paper, we present a fully integrated approach that combines Q-survey evaluation and design (Q-SED), high-quality seismic acquisition with significantly enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and greater bandwidth and advanced data processing to maximize the usefulness of the data. These data were then taken through an integrated reservoir characterization workflow that utilized a combination of quantitative property prediction from prestack full waveform inversion with qualitative attribute analysis. Numerous attributes were generated along with several inversion volumes. 
This analysis provided an understanding of the structural and stratigraphic controls between the two wells that had been impossible to interpret using conventionally acquired and processed seismic data. The ability to map sand bodies to a thickness resolution of 12 to 15 m compared to over 30 m previously available enabled a more focused and accurate prediction of reservoir properties. Evidence of heavily fractured and faulted zones around and between the two wells provided important input in terms of well planning and drilling hazards. 
This study resulted in the subsequent successful relocation of a planned sidetrack from the discovery well to avoid structural features not previously interpreted.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90026©2004 AAPG Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, April 18-21, 2004.