Improving Petroleum System Identification in Offshore Salt Environments: Gulf of Mexico and Red Sea Case Studies

Abstract

Offshore exploration is a costly endeavor utilizing seismic data to evaluate subsurface structures. However, seismic imaging does not address the critical question of hydrocarbon presence, especially in environments such as the Gulf of Mexico and the Red Sea with thick salt and anhydrite sequences. Additionally, faulting in these areas can substantially increase the likelihood of dry wells. Thus, new technologies need to be implemented to dramatically reduce the risk of noneconomic wells. Towards this end two case studies, one in the Gulf of Mexico and one in the Red Sea are utilized to highlight technological improvements in offshore exploration.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90219 © 2015 GCAGS, Houston, Texas, September 20-22, 2015