Evaluation of
Structural Uncertainty as a Tool to Minimize Risk in Exploration, Ramos Field,
Andean Foothills,
Fernandez, Oscar1, Martin
Iribarne2, Emilia Muzzio2, Alfredo Disalvo3,
Clare Bond4, Gustavo Vergani3 (1) Midland Valley, Golden,
CO (2) Pluspetrol SA, Buenos Aires, Argentina (3) Pluspetrol S.A, Buenos Aires,
Argentina (4) Midland Valley, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Structural uncertainty is a frequent obstacle in exploration in fold and thrust belt
provinces. Defining a single and unambiguous structural model in areas of poor
seismic coverage is nearly impossible. However, exploration teams in these
areas most frequently work with a single structural hypothesis at a time,
carrying uncertainty in the interpretation as a secondary parameter. In this
paper we present a case where three completely different valid alternative
structural interpretations are proposed for one same dataset. The structure
worked on is the Ramos field in the Andean foothills in northwestern
Various alternative interpretations were
proposed for the structure, out of which the 3 more coherent with the regional
setting were developed in detail: a duplex structure, a duplex structure
transporting a fault-propagation fold, and a relatively simple
fault-propagation fold. These interpretations were propagated laterally over
the structure to ensure their 3D validity and balanced along 2D transects. The
result is a set of interpretations that represent a spectrum of possible
solutions that greatly enhances the evaluation of the risk in drilling new
prospects. Based on the differences and likenesses between the interpretations,
areas where the structural solutions converge can be defined as those of lower
risk for future drilling.
AAPG Search and Discover Article #90063©2007 AAPG Annual Convention, Long Beach, California