Application of Seismic Imaging Techniques and Quantitative Interpretation and Their Impact in Exploration and Hydrocarbon Discoveries, Offshore Southeastern Basin, Mexico

Abstract

Abstract

Improvement of seismic imaging is a key process to increase our knowledge and understanding of geological conditions in subsurface which, in turn, is a crucial element during assessment of prospective potential for hydrocarbon discoveries in exploratory areas. Since 2010, PSDM technique has been used extensively in PEMEX E&P to improve seismic imaging in geologically high-complex areas with good results, leading to a better geological interpretations and, as a consequence, to important hydrocarbon discoveries. Quantitative interpretation, in the other hand, has proven to be also an effective tool when assessing exploratory opportunities with Tertiary targets, where reservoir rock consists of siliciclastic sediments and traps are mostly stratigraphic.

The PSDM workflow applied to seismic data sets successfully integrate geological concepts derived from seismic interpretation with the knowledge and expertise of seismic processors, which will result in models that will be refined in detail with tomographic inversion. These models, in turn, will provide an anisotropic seismic imaging with less uncertainty, which will be very useful when proposing oil exploratory prospects. This work will show a history case including a comparison between PSTM versus PSDM Beam algorithms used to define trap geometry and location for a hydrocarbon exploratory prospect with Mesozoic targets located in the Reforma-Akal province. Also, a PSDM RTM algorithm was used for reservoir characterization, to define more accurately the newly discovered oilfield's limits and reserves estimation.

The quantitative interpretation workflow applied to assess exploratory opportunities with Tertiary targets combines different geophysical techniques such as Rock Physics, Seismic Inversion and AVO which not only define areal extension, thickness and lithological characteristics of reservoir rock but also discriminate type and fluid content. A successful case is also presented showing how a combination of both seismic imaging and quantitative interpretation led to the discovery of an important hydrocarbon reservoir located at the Cuenca Salina del Istmo.

Recent discoveries demonstrate that a good seismic imaging improvement provided by PSDM techniques along with a correct quantitative interpretation are critical steps that greatly contribute to minimize the risk when assessing exploratory prospects, thus having a positive impact on the exploratory process in terms of maximizing the value of investments.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90260 © 2016 AAPG/SEG International Conference & Exhibition, Cancun, Mexico, September 6-9, 2016